I say this admirable Princesse had a base brother also named Leonatus who wanted not ambition enough to desire the Crowne of Mysia though he were not furnished with sufficient vertues to merit such a dignity and to this purpose left nothing unattempted that might either advance his own esteem or deprave his sisters actions and to that end insinnated himself by all meanes possible not only into the good opinion of the Lords but much more into the favour of the common people in which interim the young Princesse being furnished with youth and beauty was perswaded by the chiefe nobility to thinke of a noble husband that might accompany her in her conversation and give the Kingdome a hope of posterity two essentiall parts as they pretended of her own happinesse in prosecution of this desire there was presented unto her view a handsome Lord of this our Countrey of Lydia in conclusion the nuptials were quickly solemnized to the appearing content of both parties and the rather for that the then Queene of Lydia was well satisfied with the choyce not doubting to maintaine by this meanes a continual and strong interest in the Kingdome of Mysia since she had married to the Princesse one of her own Subjects But now Leonatus began to play his part for finding this conjunction proved a bar to his pretention for succession he thought it his best way to establish himselfe notwithstanding a certain power in the government and to that purpose strived by all meanes his malicious will could instruct to gaine the good opinion of the young King whereby to set him at difference with the Queen who began to be a little distasted to see his wife take upon her so absolute authority he only bearing the name of a Prince which at last grew to such a height by the underhand provocation of wicked Leonatus that one day when the Queene being great with child was retired into her private chamber to conferre with a certain Secretary of State most imployed in the Kingdomes affaires her husband of a sudden rusht into her presence with his sword drawne and there before her amazed eyes slaughtered her poore servant However this was an act of some horrour to the great bellied Queen and so consequently might be thought sufficient motives of her lasting indignation to see her selfe and authority so affronted by one she had lately raised from being a Subject to be her husband yet religion and good nature proved so powerfull in her noble disposition that upon the Kings sorrow and submission she was content both to forgive the injury and forget the dishonour by a perfect reconciliation But Leonatus not weary yet of his own wickednesse though despairing of his further ability to retain his interest with the young King since the Queen as he thought had so absolutely circumvented him in that project of a sudden stroake into friendship with certaine factious Priests that had newly brought in a religion into Mysia that taught this dangerous Doctrine That Princes deserved no longer to governe then whilst they contented the People Which opinion you may very well imagine took feelingly with the multitude in so much as in a short time the Queen had imployment enough to defend her person from reproaches as her Kingdome from civill warre This exceedingly tormented her thoughts untill the birth of her young sonne againe revived her spirits however Leonatus still prosecuting his horrid designes to supplant the Queen in her just right whereby to bring the government of the Kingdome under his own jurisdiction one night secretly caused not only the young King to be cruelly murthered in his bed in execution of his revenge because he had quitted his party but also laid the bloudy slaughter by way of private aspersions upon the innocent and religious Queen the more to bring her in hatred with the common people who seemed already sufficiently poysoned by the late pernicious doctrine brought into the Countrey by the turbulent Priests Although these crafty practises had not as yet power to shake or rather absolutely to destroy her grounded authority which had been cast upon her by so rightfull a succession yet by little and little they so wounded her reputation that they made her desire to have a faithfull companion to assist her in her government which politick Leonatus perceiving judging it a love passion in the Queen put on some of the nobility underhand to perswade her not only presently to marry but to take for her husband a valiant Gentleman his intimate friend who a long time had pretended unto her love however he was not without some suspition that he had been an actor in the Kings death with these baites I say Leonatus so farre intangled the Queenes innocency that she was wonne by perswasion to make this election being councelled thereunto by the chiefe nobility set upon her to that purpose though she first caused a decree to be past by the unanimous consent of all that this Lord had been no way guilty of the false aspersion his enemies had cast upon him concerning the Kings murther No sooner were these nuptials solemnized which was the thing Leonatus desired but secretly he admonished the new King to flye assuring him as his friend that either he would be suddenly slaine by many that had conspired his death or publickly be apprehended and brought to his Tryall by the consent of the whole Kingdome so that he whether knowing himselfe faulty indeed or fearing the power and injustice of his enemies since emulation amongst his equalls had procured him a world of envy quickly followed his advice and privately without the Queenes privity quitted his Country and Fortunes Leonatus conceiving now he had compassed the hardest part of his projects sent secretly into Lydia to possesse the Queen there with an assurance of Minerva's guilt since she had married the murtherer of her first husband too apparently as he pretended discovered by his strange flight at the same time also by the help of his factious priests he raised tumults against her in her own kingdome whereby she became imprisoned because she would not quit her government This you may believe gave the poore Queen sufficient imployment insomuch as being wearied by continuall troubles and invited to the Court of Lydia by her kinswomans promises for her better and quiet protection she was content to resigne the Crown to her sonne and accept of those offers she esteemed reall But alas no sooner was she arrived within the bounds of this kingdome of Lydia but contrary to her expectation wherefore amazed in the execution instead of being admitted into the Queens presence with love and honour she was commanded as a prisoner to a Castle not farre off whilst in the mean time her young sonne was committed to the tuition of Leonatus her worst enemy however with this pretention that as soon as she could cleare her selfe of those aspersions and accusations that her subjects brought against her she should enjoy those respects
had hitherto paid for the purchase But what the sweet Cloria would have answered to this discourse could not be known since Farezius occasions call'd him suddenly away from her presence into the City not so much to receive those Triumphs prepared for his further entertainment as to procure money for his Army Though the Generall continued some violence against the rich Town of Sardis in imprisoning their chief Officers as also in causing those Senators which he had formerly accused to be sent into banishment yet the affaires of Euarchus became no whit more amended since he was not onely still detained as a Prisoner though with something a greater liberty and freedom but the Senate was permitted to press his patience with those former propositions they had sent by Aâ—gyllius prejuditiall to his Crown and in truth to the absolute taking away of all his royall authority which gave occasion of many discourses amongst all sorts of people some said that Farezius was in love with the Princess Cloria and by that means endeavoured to force the Kings consent to the mariage whom he thought else could not be brought to yield to such unequall Nuptialls much less would his Daughter be won to give up her person to those disadvantages who had been courted by all the great Princes of Asia with multitudes of glorious offers Others again believed the contrary faction began to prevail and had by some means either bribed Farezius to their party or out-witted his designs Neither wanted there a third Company that imagined the people grew weary of their own sufferings by reason of the Armies free quarter suspecting the Generalls power intentions only to make himself his Souldiers mighty without looking upon their liberties and prosperity For a testimony of which as they supposed the Nobility carried the chief sway in the Senate House contrary to their desires however certain Trybunes were chosen in the Army to preferr the rights of the ordinary Souldiers and common people Whilst these thoughts or rather fancies were tost to and fro almost in every mans bosom for that the whole affairs of the Kingdom were at a stand and Euarchus seemingly no nearer his enlargement then the first day he was imprisoned nay farther off in most opinions Roxand one morning according to her custom being troubled with more feares than ordinary for that the Princess her Mistriss appeared to her imagination not a little concerned in the business since it was not improbable some sparkles of love joyned with Farezius ambition might be obstacles against the Kings prosperity came to entertain her self within certain groves belonging to the Castle which were ordered into many delightfull walks that here and there crossed one another for the more conveniency of the Company that should frequent them for recreation where long she had not remained disputing with her doubts and hopes but she met accidentally with Creses who seemed to be there with the same intention they both appeared pleased at the incounter whereupon Creses quickly asked her after some short salutation what she thought of the strangeness of these times so much changed contrary to both their expectations when as they looked rather for the King to have been royally received in Sardis then to have been still continued a prisoner much less to be pressed with new propositions dishonourable to his person and destructive to his authority Truly my Lord answered Roxana as my thoughts are in a Wood about the actions of the times so no doubt but som mystery waits upoÌ„ the issue however I must confess my fears outgoe my faith in any good they mean the Kings power since both the delayes used and much more these Articles presented are no good Omens to Euarchus prosperity but take off rather that glory which Farezius should have obtained to himself if he had made the Kings restoration to his rights his first and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be sharers in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Souldiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobedient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a finall and happy successe in his enterprize
the inhabitants both in their actions and opinions for as the more moderate sort of people especially those that had any correspondency with the Lydians either by extraction or commerce were willing enough to continue the old government and retaine both their lawes and customes they had formerly used so the violenter part of the Natives that had time out of minde contracted a certaine kinde of barbarisme in their manners and dispositions would heare of no agreement but what was prescribed them by a few commanders that were sent from the Aegyptian Warres who seemed onely to comply with the religion of Delphos for their owne ends The people I may affirme with some confidence were so far transported infatuated with this spightfull ambition their governours in the interim supposing they should be made petty Princes in command amongst the more ignorant sort of Natives that they did not onely decline violently all manner of reasonable accords but even were perswaded to hate with an exact spleene and malice all their owne country men friends and kindred that had any manner of correspondency or almost the least communication with those of the Lydian race and interest In the Interim the Senate of Lydia finding this violence and distractions amongst us resolved to put many of the strong Forts of the Country which from the beginning of the troubles they had kept in their possession absolutely into the hands of the Myssians the better to avoid the expence and inconveniency of the Warre in their owne particulars having as they thought enough to doe with their King in in Lydia and the rather for that they knew that as Myssia was most proper to send Souldiers of their owne Nation into the Island of Creet whereby to contend with the inhabitants so was there such an inveterate spleene and hatred between the Natives of both Countreys not onely in regard of their possessions but their religion that no reconciliation was at any time to be feared besides the Myssians with others of Lydia of their faction and interests supposed the old Cretans owed them a secret revenge for having injuriously outed them of their lands and estates in the time of the late King Evarchus father These Transactions I say filled the whole country a new with bloud and slaughters and the more confused it proved and so consequently the more horrid in regard that for the most part we fought dividedly upon the generall score of three interests sometimes two against one then againe each for it selfe as often as any opposition was found which not seldome hapned in regard of the many jealousies and suspitions rising daily out of the variety of apprehensions by reason of frequent accidents so that in a short time almost in every place the Townes were fired the people destroyed and the countrey depopulated being no safety in any place or scarce the least meanes of subsistance out of Armies unlesse it were under the walls and protection of some few garrisons that secured a kind of small circuit for necessary provisions to maintain themselves and the inhabitants of their jurisdiction but the King at last receiving from me and others intelligence of these lamentable proceedings in the Island of Creet as truly in a manner it was past all examples since the intention of all sides was not alone to contend about disputable rights occasioned by some former oppression but even to extirpate not onely whole families but the very remembrance of the Nation it selfe that should have the unhappinesse to be overcome by the other gave order to me if it were possible to reconcile these bloudy differences and horrid contentions with all the speed I could especially amongst those of his own party neither was he determintd to exclude out of this number the old Cretans themselves however depending upon other interests onely in regard they seemed by their declarations formerly in words to stand for his Title and authority against the proceedings of the Myssians though publickly they contended violently with his Forces in the field 'T is true I cannot deny but in some things they had reason enough for their jealousies the King very often being constrained to goe even from his own resolutions to give satisfaction to those Councels that were continually about his person who perswaded him he lost the love of his people in Lydia by seeming in any kind to favour or countenance the Cretans in their demands who as they pretended were enemies to their generall established religion Of the other side the Natives were againe by much too covetous and mistrustfull not onely to desire violently other mens possessions and estates from them but so entirely to doubt the Kings performance of his promises when as they knew he did but endeavour for his better advantage to contract privately with them in most particulars in such matters as appertained to the Temple of Delphos for giving as I said too generall a distast to those of his owne party within the Kingdome of Lydia But to be short it was not very long before the King sent a most intimate councellor of his owne into the Island of Creet as well to informe me particularly of his pleasure by word of mouth as also to joyne himselfe with me and others in commission for the better and speedier effecting of his designes presently as soone as hee arrived we sent out our summons to the whole Countrey in the generall either to meet themselves or to appoint Deputies for each division in the Island to attend the Kings orders and direction upon a certaine day at Pergame not onely to heare what should be propounded in their Princes behalfe for their future peace and advantage but also we our selves would be ready to heare what the people would demand to their further satisfaction whereby their enemies the Myssians might be opposed in their intentions who endeavoured not onely to beat downe all Kingly authority in the Island but to become absolute Lords over all the inhabitants ancient liberties I must tell you whilst we expected a joyfull issue of these purposes we understood another great Lord of Lydia was newly arrived with certaine directions as was pretended from the King independent to that power was granted us whereby as we were informed onely himselfe was impowred underhand to deale more intimately with the inhabitants concerning matters of religion as this something startled our expectation having no such notice from the King so did we resolve to send for the party upon our authority who upon his appearing neither obeying our commands nor giving us the satisfaction was desired we at that very instant restrained his person untill the Kings pleasure in that particular as we said should be publickly knowne but whether these proceedings of ours which however we esteemed for the best or that the Natives in truth were otherwise setled in their resolutions hindred the successe when the day came according to the appointment for this assembly to meet there appeared none at all of
since he can never hope to be againe re-established in his rightfull authority but either by the humours and inconstancy of the common people who when they finde the Kings absolute oppression brings no prosperity to them will probably become exasperated against the Senates proceedings and power or by an unreconcilable difference betweene the Senators themselves who may most command when they shall finde no other jurisdiction to oppose them both which in all likelihood will conduce to the Kings benefit if he sit quiet sometime under his injuries which I conceive to be the reason that he hath in outward appearance yielded so much to their demands And for the Myssians perhaps by this opposition they would perswade the world to a beliefe of their integrities as if at the first they consented not to the Kings hard usage whereby to obtaine a greater party not only in the Kingdome of Lydia if they have an intention to dispute their own profit but in other Countries if they meane to make Warre upon our people because they cannot be sharers in the government as they hoped the only cause certainly of the now seeming quarrell so that in my opinion Euarchus hath done like a wise and politick Prince in seeming not to contend where he was sure not to prevaile especially since by the dispute he might have endangered those hearts that will now be of his side if the occasion be offered either out of pitty to his sufferings or our of hate to the Senates government And besides it is to be considered that no act he shall passe in this condition of constraint can binde either himselfe or posterity by all humane and divine lawes if his Sword ever become more powerfull in the meane time the Senate will seek to preserve the Kings life and person with their best care since their own authority falls entirely by his death which as I say is the reason they desire more a terme of yeares in the continuation of thier required government then the determinable fate of the Princes life because they may have alwayes the liberty to presse him to new conditions if they finde by experience they have not yet obtained sufficient since they shall not need to feare the vexations of his person may bring any hazard upon him I cannot deny said Roxana but these reasons are sufficient to render me wholly satisfied in my doubtfull opinions but the gods are only capable to foresee the event of things And with that looking upon the Sun she perceived the time of the day called her to the attendance of the Princesse which made her for the present take her leave Upon her arrivall she found Cloria only accompanied by her Lute in a small withdrawing room belonging to her own chamber where none but her selfe had permission to be admitted not long after she had saluted the Princesse she discovered she had been weeping by the red circles about her eyes that gave the old woman occasion further to be inquisitive after her imployment untill she spyed this complaining ditty lying written before her upon the Table that quickly gave her satisfaction of the occasion though her excellent voyce and rare skill rendred the Musick heavenly Is Justice could some favour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never weare The spoyles of such a vertue heare When every houre Doth need her power To set both Crownes and Kingdomes free For love I see is but a flame That onely beares a constant name And is by interest as a wave Tost here and there as others crave If objects seeme Of more esteeme To summon sense unto the call But whatsoever dwells more high Shoote but your Commets from the skie Against the hate that mortalls beare To such as lawfull Scepters weare And wee 'l adore For evermore That action as a Diâ—â—â— Yet whilst that fate and pride contend Whether shall conquer at the end The Gods themselves have cause to feare A revolution of the Spheare And then like we May Martyrs be In the vast Chaos of the fall But the Princesse after she had made an end of her Musicke began with many complaints and more sighes to blame absent Narcissus for his too much negligence in his love since in all this time of her last restraint he had not found as she said some disguise to visit her person though he might want the power to procure her liberty which she continued with a certaine passion untill Roxana not only chid her for those sad expressions that as she told her had destroyed in part the ravishing delight of her song but seemed unjust in accusing her servant that had in so many dangerous adventures shewed alwayes the entire constancy of his affection who was no doubt at the present retired into some region where he might best advantage her service However Cloria was willing upon any hopes to be satisfied with the proceedings of Narcissus and much more with his intentions yet could she not but tell Roxana that although she was pleased to be his advocate that seemed to have a powerfull perswasion in her beliefe yet were the loves she feared from Farezius and the importunities she expected of Cassianus in her apprehension arguments sufficient to make her think Narcissus wanted much diligence at leastwise violence that he did not endeavour to scale the very Walles where she remained a prisoner rather then to endure her to be so injured Truly Madam answered Roxana as I cannot tell why you should expect miracles instead of services so have you no cause to doubt the importunities you mention since I am not certaine Farezius love was ever presented to your liking either from himselfe or any of his instruments And for the Addresses of Cassianus you have been already so accustomed to refusals that I conceive you have not any other hard part to play then to continue the same course still Besides you may well remember by Cassianus own Letter that his affections are not so hot as to presse you upon over great inconveniences and therefore in my opinion you may very well quiet your thoughts concerning his courtships O Roxana said the Princesse you are much deceived in both these particulars for as to my knowledge which I have understood since I saw you last Farezius hath already intimated his desire to my father whom you may be sure will comply almost in any thing that concernes the Generall So doth Cassianus labour the Senate underhand to be propitious to his love since as he sayes their own honours are ingaged in the issue for that the world takes notice of their protestations which are to see him established in a prosperous condition both in power and affection And the rather as â—retends for that they formerly sent for him according to their professions to see them put in execution Roxana replyed as there be many reasons of sufficient force to make me give way to your opinions since your own beauty honour and vertues are loadstones
up Armes at all in the beginning to oppose our Prince if now without any other condition whatsoever we should lay them downe and againe restore him to his ancient dignity without conditions I pray remember we have made a solemne protestation to the gods as of the other side a confederation with our friends and if we breake with both no doubt but heaven and earth will accuse us as well of perjury as indiscretion since we should seem neither to reverence sacred things as we are bound nor preserve humane obligations as we ought may you not remember we took from our King his power for no other reason but because we thought him not fit to raigne over us accompanied with his stubborne and wilfull crimes and shall we presently restore him to that State againe without amendment are we not tyed by promises to the Senate of Lydia faithfully to performe their businesses in these Warres whilst we are under their pay and jurisdiction and shall we detaine the very object of their intentions against their minds as a protected person by our Army who was the onely booty they aymed at to purchase by our endeavours O horrid injustice and more pernitious indiscretion since in the one undoubtedly we exasperate the gods anger as in the other we apparantly endanger our own safeties for as they cannot but revenge their own dishonour in the highest fury of their wrath in regard of our perjury so justly may the people of Lydia over-run our Kingdom for not performing those conditions we contracted for before we entered their Countrey which however may be a Warre of some long contention and dispute yet the effects must needs be bloudy and expencefull whereas if we go hand in hand with our friends I meane the great Senate at Sardis we shall not only preserve such an amity as probably will make both Nations happy but for the present fill our coffers with sufficient gold to render us in Myssia equally rich with other Countries of Asia By releasing the King I say without their consents we give him only power and conveniency instead of being gratefull for the benefit to punish us for having been at the first the chief occasion that made him at all stand in need of such a kindnesse This disposition of his hath bin sufficiently experimented in his necessities when as he wil not so farre gratifie us as to put the Flamins out of the Temples These reasons being considered I say let us presently dispatch messengers to the Senate of Lydia with full power and commission from this Army not only to Treat of conditions but to conclude with that Councell concerning those conditions and Articles which shall be thought fit to be offered to the King to confirme either before he be restored to his Crowne or released from his imprisonment so shall we be pious to the gods just to our friends and beneficiall to our selves Although there was much contradiction and strong disputes concerning this oration of Argilius yet in regard Lycius the generall with many others of his faction in the Councell were against the Kings desires An absolute determination was presently there taken to send Argilius with some other Commissioners to the City of Sardis whereby to conclude such propositions as should be held most advantagable as they said for both Nations Though it was well knowne the Myssians had only an intention to good themselves not only in the payment of that money which they expected from the Senate but in regard of their secret intentions by Euarchus suppression to have an equall share in the government of the Kingdom of Lydia but however they concluded to put in execution their resolutions with all expedition yet they still kept the King in hopes by faire promises of his restoration as well to couzen and deceive his expectation that he might not entertaine new thoughts or fall upon other Counsels as that he might not be irreconcilably distasted with their actions if they should misse of their agreement with the Senate of Sardis who they doubted might be something unwilling to part with those vast summes that were demanded which fayling they intended to make use both of the Kings Titles and countenance to prosecute their other designes either in Lydia it selfe or any other part of Asia as there should be occasion The propositions they offered to the Senate were these First that the solemne protestation formerly agreed upon should be taken by every person of both Nations without exception out of which not the King himselfe to be exempted secondly not onely the jurisdiction but the very name of the Flamins to be absolutely abolished and no other rights and manner of worship of the gods to be used but according to the customes of Myssia Thirdly that both Euarchus and his posterity so farre to be disinabled in their authority that each Senate in both Kingdomes might be sufficiently confident of their power whereby to be freed in their own opinions from all danger and suspition in the future Fourthly that such sums of money should speedily be payed to the Myssians as was promised for their satisfaction and Lastly Commissioners to be chosen out of either Countrey to whom the common transaction of affairs should be equally committed Although these two latter Articles were something disputed yet it was not long before it was agreed that these conditions being presented and the King refusing to subscribe them he should be detained as a prisoner and not acknowledged for a Prince Argylius and the rest returning to the Campe where the King to be short refusing his subscription and consent within a very few weeks imployed for the circumstances necessarily belonging to every performance Euarchus was by the conduction of some Troopes of horse delivered into the custody of Farezius who presently conveyed him with his own Souldiers to a faire house formerly belonging to the Kings of Lydia Of the other side both Argylius and Lycius marched into their own Countrey of Myssia with money and triumph as if they had deserved immortall fame for their disloyalty which for the present must end my dolefull story since the time of the day envites us to take part of a slender supper according to the warning of the little Bell I heare however before you goe to bed I engage my selfe to furnish you with another relation much more pleasing to my thoughts that occasioned the late meeting of the people in the Fields with such expressions of joy as you beheld so taking Narcissus by the hand he led him into a pretty roome where they found two or three dishes of meat newly set upon the Table attended onely by the old woman and the youth After they had given thankes to the gods within an hours space they ended their supper the cloth being presently taken away and some few other discourses of delight fittest for digestion past over the Priest againe began this new relation Euarchus said he being thus entered as I told you into a
new captivity though farre more nobly used was constrained to attend the comming of the commissioners of the Myssians to Sardis for the further disposure of his person and affaires but in the interim the Souldiers whether contrary to their custome and vocation reflecting principally upon the miseries and afflictions of the King or rather being willing to make that the ground or pretentions for their future intentions to quarrell with the Senate about their owne discontents in seeing the Myssians esteemed and themselves neglected not onely by degrees began to use the King gently but openly to complaine that themselves were so farre from receiving rewards for their services as that they had not been justly paid their wages when as the Myssians as they said received great summes of money for doing nothing else but running away and betraying their King also they seemed exasperated to have them countenanced in setting up their manner of worship of the gods throughout all the Kingdome of Lydia to the enslaving as was urged of the Nation in the free liberty of their consciences when as the people according as had bin promised them could not exercise their own manner of worship besides they seemed extreamly to repine that Myssian governours should be joyned with those of Lydia it selfe in the management of State affaires that belonged properly onely to the Nation neither did these discontented discourses end in this manner for they daily assembled in private Counsels to produce something for their advantages though they yet knew not very well what either to demand or act however these proceedings were soone brought to the knowledge of the Senate who being jealous also of their own intentions were a great deale the more fearfull of any dangerous accidents so that presently they sent messengers to the Army though as 't was said with intentions to perswade yet with authority to command the Souldiers to a better obedience but as these officers were extreamely deceived in their expectations concerning their own power and interest in the Campe so were they forced with expedition to returne to those that sent them with some terrour in their countenances As this for many dayes caused sometimes distracted Counsels otherwhiles more peremptory discourses so was it not over long before the Senate was saluted with a declaration from the Souldiers wherein they not onely taxed them with want of justice and extreame ingratitude to the Army that had fought so many Battels and shed so much bloud for themselves and the priviledges of Lydia but also presented their considerations with these following proposals wherein they wisht to be speedily satisfied first that they might with all expedition not onely be paid their just dues but in a convenient time be farther rewarded according to their deserts Secondly that no part of the Army should be disbanded without their owne consents Thirdly that such lawes and decrees might presently be established to assure the people of Lydia of their convenient liberties and Lastly that the worship of the gods according to the Myssian rights might not be imposed absolutely upon any person or condition These demands being sent to the Senate by messengers of their own that before never expected to be contradicted much lesse circumscribed by any power whatsoever began to thinke that it would be now their safest way rather for the present to endeavour to temper the Souldiers passions then further either to tempt or hazzard their fury To this purpose they returned back their messengers with faithfull or at leastwise fained promises that speedily they should receive satisfaction according to their hearts content Neverthelesse the Army finding after some weekes expectation that the Senate endeavoured rather to deceive their expectations by sowing underhand and private factions among the Souldiers then that they intended really to performe in effect any thing that was actually for their good after they had as it were chosen Farezius as their Captaine Generall for their priviledges as well as the Senate had chosen him for the Warres not only seized presently upon most of the Magazins of the Kingdome but also sent some Troopes to take the King out of prison where he remained Euarchus being a little amazed at this new and sudden attempt as he could not well interpret their meaning although 't is probable he might like well enough of their actions so at the first did he make some stand at their proceedings yet at last being perswaded of their faire intentions and having of the other side assured them of his affection they instantly carried him in a certaine kinde of triumph through most part of the Kingdome of Lydia untill at last they lodged him in a brave Castle of his own where he now remaines as it is believed with a great deale of satisfaction And the rather for that it being so given out they doe not only in an honourable manner suffer him to exercise his own rights concerning the worship of the gods with a free admittance of all companies to be entertained with what conversation he pleaseth but have lately envited him to send for the Queene and all his children who shall be as they say joyfull witnesses of his being againe established in his Throne and dignity and however they be something suspitious of the practises of the Commissioners of Myssia and those belonging to that faction least they might perswade the Kings heart from the interest of the Souldiers yet the better to give him satisfaction concerning the opinion of his own liberty neither they or any else are debarred either from his presence or communication whilst of every side they have promised the common people a happinesse according to their expectations both in their manner of worshipping the gods as well as belonging to all other priviledges that can possibly any way appertaine unto their future condition which in truth I must tell you was the only occasion of our assembly this day Not only to thanke the gods in the generall for this appearing happy change but also a little to exercise their ancient decorums in their rurall sports in regard they had been for some time debarred from such sports by the rigid severity of the Myssian customes which as I told you have been brought into Lydia by the Priests and others of that Nation that at last was imposed upon the people as an absolute injunction by the authority of the Senate This being what I can say for your satisfaction concerning the present affaires of the Kingdome wherein I feare me I have too much offended in the generall by my long discourses though upon the matter I do not see how they could have been well omitted in any particular so I hope you will now give me leave to end After that Narcissus had thanked him for the paines he had taken and the favour himselfe had received having past away some time longer in other discourses upon the same subject the Priest calling his boy to take the lights he conducted Narcissus into his chamber
little discourse unto you what may be the suppositions of the Syrian State that seemes so much to countenance the Myssians before the Souldiers and to say the plaine truth doe more favour them then any other people that have seemed most affectionate towards the Kings interest First you may suppose that they thinke the Myssians not onely in regard that most of the gentry and Nobility have either command or imployment in the Army or Warres of Syria but the common people and inferiour sort have such a dependency upon the Nation by reason of certaine priviledges granted them time out of mind by way of a free Trade and commerce amongst them that it is unpossible for them to quit their interest for any other benefit that can be proposed to their consideration And the rather for that the Court maintaines alwayes some Ambassadour or Agent in their Countrey both to direct their actions and designes and to inform the State upon all occasions of their proceedings which joyned with the large pentions are bestowed amongst their rulers and other eminent persons of Myssia will prove as they believe necessary ties and obligations to retaine their fidelities constant to the Syrian ends And so consequently can they never attempt the destroying or lessening of Monarchy but as they shall direct and approve of besides most of the factions now prevailing against Euarchus authority in Myssia are composed either of Lords or Priests who are most commonly not so envious to royalty or at leastwise as they may believe more to be perswaded by reason then extravagant people that have learned no rules necessary to government and order by any manner of fitting education wherefore not so much to be feared in their courses and prevailing jurisdiction if they should be suffered something too much to prosper in either proceedings against their King Secondly it cannot be doubted but that Monarchy in the generall is a great deale more conducing to the commodity of the Myssians then a common government either in Lydia or Myssia and therefore not probable they should joyne in such a strict amity with the Senate as absolutely to destroy the prerogative and Kingly jurisdiction of Euarchus since by that conclusion they would neither be able to temper their own factions at home amongst the Nobility and persons of greatest quality nor have any hope to receive benefit from other Princes abroad in their occasions and whereas many may be perswaded to believe that by agreeing in those designes for the absolute overthrowing of Monarchy in Lydia they might in time come to be equall sharers in the government of both Kingdomes and so consequently participate alike in the profit and gain being the chiefe if not the onely thing their covetous dispositions looke after such thoughts are meere fancies and chymeras for certainly the Senate understanding well the poornesse of the Country of Myssia and not being ignorant of the secret intentions of the people withall how insulting and encroaching they are in their natures will be sure to take order they shall have no more interest in the affaires of Lydia then is intirely necessary for their own service and commodity so that when the Myssians shall find their aymes to faile in these particulars it is to be imagined that they will not onely be perswaded upon the least endeavour of the State of Syria to fall off from the Lydian faction but even to make a War with that Nation it selfe for the establishing againe of their King in his ancient glory and command and to that effect adhere either to Syria or any other Nation that may assist them in those proceedings onely this doubt in some sort may be made that Argilius and Lycius who so unworthily have betrayed the Kings person for a sum of money will never by their good wills trust themselves any more under his power for feare of revenge answerable to their deserts And they being the most principall men of the Countrey it is to be suspected they will have so great power and influence over the actions and determinations of the rest of the Inhabitans in the generall that they can never be brought in any kind to own the Kings interest to purpose notwithstanding all the labour and industry of the Kingdome of Syria But to this I shall only make this answer that however these people prevailed in the Myssian Army for the selling of the Kings person against the thoughts and wills of many yet that very action of theirs hath procured them since so much hatred in their own Country that it may very probably be believed by the State of Syria there must of necessity arise daily new factions amongst them neither want they intelligence at the present that assures them that an Army will suddenly march into Lydia from Myssia in King Euarchus behalf which advertizement I suppose is sent them by their Ambassadour there remaining Last of all I may adde that the Court of Syria may imagine the Souldiers who have now the King in their possession having no other relation but to their own wills and uncertaine principles will prove from time to time as inconstant in their resolutions as they have been heretofore desperate in their fortunes and be rather in the generall inclinable to affect equality then continue long contented to be governed by Kingly authority or to say the plaine truth willing to be under any jurisdiction whatsoever witnesse their falling off from their command both under the Senate and their old Generall besides it is esteemed a maxime among their tenents to have scarce dependency upon any power neither in those things that belong to the gods worship or concerning other their humane actions pretending by such constraint an absolute freedome cannot be enjoyed either in minde or body so that however the King may seem a little to revive by their proceedings yet I can assure you in Syria there is a great doubt made of the reality of their actions but whether these opinions be grounded either upon the perswasions of the Myssians or upon other more solid though secret reasons I will not take upon me at present to determine but rather shall expect both with hope and patience the issue in the interim apply my selfe to my direction and commission as well in keeping a correspondency with the Souldiers as with the Myssians by this time again the way began to be something uneven so that they could not well prosecute any farther discourse At night they tooke up their lodging not above halfe a dayes journey where the King remained and not much farther distant from the City of Sardis where encountering with a jovial companion master of the house as appearing also faithfull to Euarchus in his intentions after they had accommodated themselves to their minds in their chambers they desired their host with an equall indifference to let them understand as well the newes that concerned the proceedings of the Senate as that which belonged more properly to the Army since
have severall wills so that of necessity would confound commands and distract obedience whereby executions could not chuse but be protracted to the rending of all actions and endeavours of no considerable force and validity to the convenient and orderly rule of the world wherefore we see subordinate offices are appointed in every degree by this great and all powerfull God every distinct orbe being so involved one within another untill they all become governed by the first motion onely to avoyd equality and confusion so that we may easily perceive by that decorum that there is an entire necessity of one governour As for example there is but one Sun that governes the day as another light shines in the night neither of which being accompanied with any of equall authority or influence as it were both pretending to a certaine manner of absolute Monarchy in their severall kinds of motion and lustre in the second place by the very rules of nature we have experience that some one in every species pretends above the rest to dominion and jurisdiction as for the purpose the industrious and painfull Commonwealth of the Bees have alwayes one to goe before them whose person and voyce they onely obey and follow with a seeming care and extraordinary obedience The silly Ants in like manner have their Prince amongst them who seemes by his absolute authority only to governe and direct their labours tending to unity and benefit in their small and innocent Commonweal'h so that these being creatures no way given to exorbitancy of will as men are if it be necessary for them to have but one governour much more for us who are given in a manner to nothing but malice and pride whereby to be kept in order and regulated in our dispositions which certainely cannot long be without the authority of some single power that must not be equalled or contracted by any other we see if two strange Bulls be but turned loose together in any pasture their contention one with another never ends whilst one of the two have gained the absolute mastery over the other with what extraordinary hatred and malice will two little Cocks of the game persecute one another in bloud wounds untill the one of them have obtained the victory by the others death and ruine Ney example me if you can any two Males of any generous kinde whatsoever that will endure the others society without an absolute subjection to his power and courage as it were never but striving till one have procured the entire jurisdiction of the place as if nature by no meanes could admit of an equality in government whereas of the contrary the Females as being not at all ordained for rule and command are seemingly contented with the society and company of their fellowes which shews in my opinion a certaine kinde of necessity in all governments of one onely Monarch not only to avoid faction and confusion but to unite desires and industry towards the welfare and benefit of any Commonwealth since without such a knowne power and command it is almost impossible to bridle and keep in order at all times the unruly fancies and exorbitant desires of mankind whose very nature or inclination doth swell as it were with nothing but appetites of contention Lastly concerning the very institution of governments upon earth the first certainly was Monarchy for as in the beginning a man in his own private family appeared to be the onely absolute Prince to be obeyed so dominions and Kingdomes became no other way established in the infancy of the world but by the uniting together of severall housholds either by accident or conquest And though sometimes people meerly out of necessity to keep themselves the better in peace and quietnesse were forced to chuse and forme commonwealths yet we scarce read of any juridiction to be enterteined at leastwise to be continued for any considerable space but where one single power chiefly if not absolutely commanded over the whole as if the multitude by the very light of nature being led thereunto by the meere dictates of reason without any manner of science or experience were constrained to believe that no other government could be safe and lasting however their Lords not seldome proved the cruellest Tyrants could be imagined as I cannot deny but by reason of the exorbitancy of pernitious and wicked Princes a State hath beene changed from a private to a popular Common-wealth or government yet scarce did I ever heare of any but that both began and ended in Kingly authority as being still by some accident or other constrained to that election or conversion either in absolute power or mixt representation as if some kinde of necessity required such an establishment to render it lasting and convenient to the people Neverthelesse said Creses it is a most miserable condition for the people to be in a continuall subjection under the power and command of either an impotent or an exorbitant Prince for though he should know what were best to be done yet his perverse nature and disposition would not suffer him to put it in execution And if he knew not how to governe he becomes led by the pride and covetousnesse of others Again put the case government might fall into the hands of a mad man or a fool what remedy then could be expected whereby the people might in any kinde have the least hope of redresse since by the Lawes and rules of inheritance he were to continue still without prevention and obstacle which of necessity sometime or other would happen consequently cast the government into the hands of such as he should chuse that probably were not farre from his own temper in any thing in like manner it must be the same during the time of the Princes infancy being by that meanes rendred altogether uncapable either of governing himself or others T is true answered the Priest the misfortune to a Kingdome is not small when either of these happen but however as no private interest can be so destroying as generall confusion so can it not be but much safer for a Commonwealth to be under the jurisdiction of one vicious or impotent Prince who t is likely will be glutted by his excesses or may be assisted in his Councels then for it to be wholy governed by many disagreeing heads and factious dispositions that direct severall wayes in their intentions and consultations which of necessity must distract all profitable determinations and at the best cannot but protract if not absolutely hinder those executions tending to peace and prosperity being scarce to be avoyded in a common government where opinions and interests are severall in the rulers besides it is well knowne that in such Councels secrets of the most highest nature for that they are committed to many are subject to be revealed if not betrayed But according to my sense and beliefe said Creses such a Magistracy might be created out of the whole that when good and necessary fundamentall
Lawes were agreed upon might easily governe with secrecy and moderation to the benefit of the people who would be pleased sufficiently in having the name of the election of such Ministers If you meane said the Priest that this jurisdiction should be eternall it were a great deale worse and more dangerous in matters of Tyranny and injustice then to be under one single Pritce by inheritance since he might dye and by that meanes his successor might againe bring ease and remedy but the other assembly being once in the greater part corrupted it were unpossible ever to expect any redresse at all for that those that should happen to succeed would come to their places but one by one and consequently could not have voyces in number sufficient to countervaile the opinions of the rest remaining in the Councell or Magistracy besides if any should have received injury or endured oppression by the casting voyces of the whole assembly to whom should he flye for remedy and redresse since every one singly would put off the blame from himselfe pretending not to have authority and power sufficient without the generality of that congregation to repaire the injured person which seldome or never could be procured whereas being wronged or oppressed by a Prince or any of his Officers or Ministers of State it would be no great difficulty to make the particular complaint understood at one time or another to himselfe And more facile it would be a great deale for the Monarch or governour speedily to afford the remedy either in that that concerned his own person or belonging to any of his Commissioners for else he should be forced to take upon him the blame before the face of all the world whereas the others actions that is to say concerning the particular would be so involved in the darke that it were almost impossible to make it appeare where the fault lay but in the generall assembly who without an infinite labour could not be brought to understand much lesse to redresse the grievance And if you meane this magistracy or supreame authority should be only temporary and so consequently be made subject upon all occasions to the election and questioning of the common people what a world of inconveniences would it bring not only by continuall factions and disorders in the chusing these new Magistrates but in the very spight and heartburning would be occasioned thereby amongst the people being carried on to this election by a certaine conceived greatnesse in their own opinion that might render their rude ambitions extreamely unsatisfied if they should be at any time crost in their choyce with a thousand other inconveniences that I cannot mention Yet said Creses alshough it should be granted that in those particulars you have mentioned Monarchy were to be esteemed the most convenient government of all others however it cannot be denyed but that the common people are in that slavery under such a jurisdiction that they cannot possibly have hearts sufficiently affectionately to render them entirely industrious towards the profit and good of the Common-wealth in the generall in regard that however they toyle and take paines in abundance they can never attaine to any places of dignity or respect in the Kingdome either to content their thoughts or advance their esteem whereas in a popular state the meanest is in the same capacity of preferment as the highest borne person in he Countrey Although this be true said the Priest yet the defect proceeds not from their naturall unhappinesse but from their disabillity or want of knowledge in regard of their deficiency in education which inconveniency and defect they will as well suffer in a popular government as in a Kingly authority since no worthy person whatsoever is debarred from preferment in a Monarchy if his industry and parts can merit the honour and advancement and although he should in any kinde misse of his expectation yet it would not grieve him so much to be under the jurisdiction of the Nobility that are by birth and extraction above his condition as to finde himselfe much subordinate and inferiour to those of his own ranke and quallity to be esteemed of all others most irkesome to humane nature so that you see it is but meere fancy that engenders these considerations and opinions besides there are other inconveniences and omissions appertaining to a popular government as for example it seldome or never preferres or rewards worthy persons according to their deserts and merrits when as for the most part smallest crimes and defects are punished by most fearefull and horrid severity proceeding either from envy or jealousie which is the occasion that oftentimes when Generalls Commanders or States men have procured a sufficient interest and esteeme amongst all sorts of people whereby to be able to contend doubting their own safeties from the Magistracy they enter presently into such rebellions that either turne the Commonwealth into a Tyrannicall Monarchy or occasion at the best so much bloud and slaughter that every Subject thereof hath reason enough to feare his own losse if not generall destruction whereas a Prince being of so eminent a condition himselfe not to be equalled by any of what quallity soever hath no cause to be envious or suspicious againe the Prince hath a more neere interest in his Countries good then all his subjects besides by way of personall honour wherefore a greater benefit or losse attends him in every thing that is acted since he creates not only the officer that commands or executes but enjoyes the profit or disprofit of the successe whereas the people in a Commonwealth receive it but in the generall no one man being able to appropriate any publike action particularly to himselfe which is a principall motive to enduce the Prince to attend earnestly the prosperity of the government because he may be said truly to esteeme it his own which no other prison can doe in what constitution some ever if there be others in equall authority with him for to joyne interests will never take so much the fancy and opinion of the owners as those which are singly appertaining but to one onely Well said Creses although I see upon any termes you will needs have a Monarchy to be the best government yet neverthelesse I must not have a Prince altogether unlimited as it were threatning a kinde of a fearefull apprehension of Tyranny to his people by which meanes they would be hindred from endeavouring industriously either the common good or their private welfare but rather I should wish a king in some sort bound by lawes fundamentall established by a lawdable constitution at the first however not to be so strictly chayned up that he were left no any power or prerogative at all without his Subjects leave or be so let loose to his owne will and pleasure that he might injure and oppresse his people as he list that is to say to have the government to enjoy such a mixture in the whole that the Subjects
in the example as in their bloud No no Madam said she rather dispence with your unprofitable commiseration then be carelesse of future safety for it will be much better now to destroy these unlawfull designes by a little civill Warres amongst themselves that would but purge the Kingdome of its corrupt humours ingendred by excesse in pride and prosperity then in the times to come to expose all conditions to a perpetuall slavery under a Tyrannicall government gained by the power of lawlesse Souldiers brought in by other Princes not acquainted with the natures of our people much lesse senfible of their sufferings since they will only consider their faults past and not looke upon their miseries present for they would rather judge them by the manner of subjection of their own Countrey then by the sweetnesse of the Lydian Lawes Wherefore I say you must thinke whether of the two Suitors you will make the object of your choyce to render the other jealous of his actions and your favours whereby some sudden difference may arise between the factions to bring the sooner confusion into the Kingdome which certainly is the readiest way againe to establish your father in his right since the noyse of forraigne power at present will not only be an occasion the better to unite them together to the Kings disadvantage but at the best hazard the destruction of all property and government since the Sword will be the principall Arbitrator of every mans right and the victory a change of his condition Truly Roxana said the Princesse as I cannot in my own reason esteeme your discourse apocryphall so of the other side you cannot deny but that I have been ever willing in all my necessities to follow your Counsell and therefore since you have prescribed the Law certainly the election will be easie for considering that Farezius hath not yet publikely pretended to my love at leastwise by any expressions to my selfe me thinks it would appeare some injustice for me to refuse Cassianus Courtships who hath already as you know a kinde of an ingagement from my own mouth concerning the old Flamine though he be since destroyed besides his bloud Titles and condition more suite with my honour and professions in which the Nobility of the Kingdome will have the greater share whose dignities certainly if it were not for particular ends would preserve Monarchy whereas the people and common Souldiers endeavour nothing more then to destroy it from the face of the earth Why then Princesse said Roxana if you be so resolved I must give you your lesson but first I will tell you of a third Suitor who also as best deserving must have some imployment and that is Creses one whose affection might merit a requitall with your love if your other engagements and his own disproportion were not obstacles beyond removall however it is your part to trust his fidelity and reward his trust especially since his endeavours may bring you advantage as well as himselfe preferment Wherefore I will designe him to this office though he be not yet privy to my intentions which is presently to make a Journey into Syria where the Queene your Mother and the Prince your brother both remaine to expect the pleasure of that State concerning your fathers affaires by which meanes he shall more particularly be able to informe them concerning the Mystery of your resolutions that may render the assistance they shall be willing to lend more advantageable and the rather for that I understand the Countrey of Syria still entertaines an Ambassadour with the Myssians whose force certainly will conduce much to our projects if they can be made faithfull to Euarchus good since the least power will infinitely strengthen the faction that shall shew it selfe for the King or his sonne and in the Journey I intend Creses shall visit the Cretans see whether they may also be wrought to joyne with our party here at home which is not improbable since peace and settlement in Lydia will be an overthrow to their prosperities for that those people by this Kingdome are esteemed no other then pernitious rebells And let Creses alone to act his part when he is sufficiently enformed of our desires whose sharpe wit and excellent language cannot be equalled by any messenger can be sent which are fortunate properties to our purpose besides his intire love to your sacred selfe will be alwayes sure to continue him absolutely faithfull which afterward must be rewarded either by your fathers fortunes or the Queenes interest in Syria Without doubt Governesse said Cloria you have hit upon a right plot and the rather for that I heare by a late edict sent from the Senate as it should seeme upon the Kings flight they have not onely banished out of the City of Sardis all my fathers friends in generall but Creses in particular as conceiving him extraordinarily interessed in the Kings counsell and affaires for that he brought as you know to the Senate the first propositions of his and the Armies desires Then Madam said Roxana your next worke must be anew to invite Prince Cassianus by some hopes of your acceptance of his offered Love which may conveniently be grounded upon the late Letter he sent you that you have not yet answered as also upon your discourse to him when he shewed both affection and diligence in saving the old Flamines life at your request in which service you exprest so much liking to his person and vertues that you profest him the next person in your thoughts to Narcissus engagement whom he will not be perswaded is living and I shall be very glad still to continue him in that errour untill the designes we have in hand may happily be brought to some fortunate issue by which meanes Farezius may be spoyled of the peoples affections and bereaved of the power of the Army that now seemes to carry him up beyond all other authorities and so consequently enflames his thoughts above opposition in what he shall propose much lesse wish though truly for my part I believe he hath a strong faction against him not only by the Nobility by reason of Dimogoras disgrace and many of the chiefe Senaâ—â—rs fearing their own power but also in divers Provinces where he hath so long a space quartered his Souldiers without removall though their own desires in taking away the power from the Lords and destroying the Kings regality yet hinders them from complaining Well well said Cloria as we must leave time to discover these hidden mysteries so will I addresse my selfe to put in execution what your wisdome hath prescribed and to that purpose must enjoyn you to remaine here in my absence untill an houres space give you releasement in which interim I shall endeavour to contrive a Letter to Cassianus in answer to his he sent me the other day convenient for our designe But scarce had the Princesse remained in her private Cabinet the time limitted by her words but she brought forth a Letter
performed in this manner After said he I parted from this Castle according to your command I went to the very doore of the Senate-house the best place as I thought for intelligence where finding all those that stood without in a most confused distraction both in their words and looks it was not long before many of the chiefe Senators of a sudden came out of the room when presently they went with a great deale of haste towards another chamber where I understood by the discourses of the multitude they were designed to meet some of the Lords about a conference concerning the settlements of the disorders of the Kingdome I being both bold and little and so consequently as I thought not much to be suspected in the confused crowd thrust in along with them where placing my selfe in a nook of the chamber under a hanging it was my chance to heare these severall discourses from them The first sort of Senators that spake thought it convenient if not altogether necessary again to settle the King in his ancient dignity not onely in regard of the extraordinary cries of the common people to that purpose but also for that there were so many severall factions within themselves in the Senate not probable to be reconciled with any advantage to the Nation Others notwithstanding were of a contrary opinion alleadging that it were better to hazard the ruine of the whole Countrey in a generall confusion then to come any more under the jurisdiction of that Tyrannicall government as they said they had with so much bloud already endeavoured to destroy A third number of that assembly seemed in some sort to be willing to restore againe Euarchus to his Crowne in full lustre but they doubted least his unrelenting spleen might put him on to call the Senate to a strict account for their past actions and severity used both against his authority and person wherefore wisht rather to have some of his posterity Crowned in his place whom for such a benefit as they believed would easily be perswaded to forgive and forget his fathers injuries This proposition a long time entertained their fancies untill they considered that not only Prince Arethusius was in the Kingdome of Syria prosecuting the Queen his Mothers designes and my Lord Ascanius his brother had lately by flight procured his owne liberty without their consents that absolutely beate back any more discourse upon that subject however they thought it convenient if not extreamely necessary for the present to give what satisfaction they could to the discontented people who belike attended in great numbers about the City of Sardis to that purpose yet it was considered with all that if they should endeavour altogether to please the multitude without having their Swords ready drawne in their hands whereby to be able to chastize them if they should prove too unreasonable in their demands they must expect dangerous and insolent affronts instead of quietnesse and obedience to their commands In so much as they thought it convenient in the interim that they entertained the peoples expectations with good words and faire promises to send privately to Farezius wishing him to be ready to march with his Souldiers to keep the multitude in due obedience to the Senates authority if they should continue these extravagant prosecutions of their designes which in effect being fully resolved upon by them all they quickly broake up the Assembly So that when they were in this manner dispersed and I had freed my selfe undiscovered from their companies I thought it my duty to gaine what other intelligence I could amongst the common people since I conceived much consisted in their constant and brave resolutions to which purpose they seemed in some sort to have assembled themselves with an intention to contend against the present government by some violent manner of prosecution though for the better colour of their actions and intentions they appeared only with petitions in their hands instead of other weapons of danger With these thoughts I held it my best course to retire into the very heart or body of the City of Sardis as well to feele the pulse and constitution of the Inhabitants as the likelier to be informed by their intelligence concerning all other proceedings of the Kingdome neither in this designe was I much deceived in my expectation for sorting my conversation with watermen and other inferiour people I understood that as the rich Citizens of the Towne although they desire againe to have their King to governe over them though with some restriction in his power because they feare his revenge since otherwise as they believe they could probably expect nothing but a generall confusion so of the other side it is apparant the multitude for the most part desire a change not only in regard of the envy they beare to the Senate who more absolutely command over their persons and estates then the King ever did in his greatest glory but also in regard they doubt the Souldiers at the last will come to be Masters of every mans fortune which jurisidction of all others they most detest in their natures and dispofitions As I was sufficiently satisfied in these inclinations of the people I repaired to the publike place of commerce for the whole City where in short amongst the Merchants I understood that not onely a great part of the Navy was revolted to the King the Marriners being encouraged thereunto by some Senators which Farezius the Generall had formerly sent into banishment but that the Myssians were also preparing a great Army by the directions of the Kingdom of Syria suddenly to invade Lydia on the Kings behalfe These newes giving my endeavours sufficient encouragement still to prosecute my designe for other intelligences within three or foure daies afterward I became certainly informed that the Senate being not able or at leastwise not willing to give the multitude satisfaction according to the desire of their petitions they had in great numbers not onely taken up armes for their own defence in regard they understood that Farezius had directions notwithstanding the opposition of the Lords to march towards their assemblies with all his power but they had also seized upon many Castles and Towns towards their enterprize and assistance in the Kings name with whom in like manner many of the Nobility joyn with considerable Forces Last of all you may be pleased to know That Hercrombrotus Lieutenant Generall to Farezius is of a sudden called away with a great part of the Army towards the confines of Lydia neere the City of Smyrna occasioned by reason of the revolt of some of his own Commanders who are joyned with the power and force of the Countrey to oppose the Senates proceeding which in effect is the full information I can give concerning my imployment When the Dwarfe had made an end of this relation the Princesse Cloria smiled upon her brother not onely to see how well the boy had performed his office according to the confidence