alone appropriated to themselves with all the rents and priviledges that of old at any time belonged unto them Secondly they expected an absolute concession from his Majesty that no governours whatsoever of any forraigne Nation should be appointed over them in Creet or in any Fort or Island belonging to the same besides they refused to admit of those of the very Country it selfe unlesse they were confirmed and approved of by the gentrall councell which they had established to manage odered all their affairs both in peace and Warre And lastly they expected as the writing which they had delivered the King exprest an absolute restoration of all those lands to the true owners that had beene taken from their possession by reason of any former pretended rebellion and given to the Myssians or Lydians either by the old Queene of Lydian or Evarchus father The Kings as I was informed after he had read these propositions seemed to the outward view of the assembly extremely troubled in his apprehensions as if he had been exceedingly deceived in his expectation concerning the good nature and reality of our country-men however notwithstanding he was by this meanes sufficiently inflamed in his thoughts in regard of these proceedings not onely in some sort disdaining to be thus handled by his Subjects in his necessities but being also with some reason suspicious of their intentions as fearing that they aymed to become Masters of the whole Island and so by consequence to be possessors of most of the Lands of his best friends who were actually imployed now with him in his Warres yet conceiving that he was not at the instant in a capacity to shew much discontent to any party that could either good or hurt him in his present differences with the Senate he gave their commissioners at leastwise faire words in the generall promising speedily to send particular messengers of his own into Creet not onely more knowingly to Treat with them concerning their demands but withall if it were possible to conclude with them concerning his own desires which he conceived would be for both their advantages against the common enemy that had an intention to destroy either in this manner they were dismist into their owne Country party pleased and a great deale more unsatisfied in regard no more life remained from their imployment then the expectation of the comming of the Kings officers But in the interim whilst these messengers were look't for both the Kingdome of Syria and the Country of Aegypt put in for their severall interests as well concerning the government it selfe of the Island as to be supplyed from hence with Souldiers in their Warres one against another the State of Syria went onely upon the score of Evarchus right and Titles though Sorastros challeuged their affections in his service by an ancient Tye as he said they owed the Aegyptian Nation neither as I told you formerly was the Arch Flamin of Delphos backward in maintaining to the uttermost of his power by the industry of some instruments he imployed his owne jurisdiction above either as pretending the best right to the same by reason of those agreements that had been made with the Kings of Lydia who first conquered this Island These attempts I must say extreamely divided 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 Desphos 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 inconvenience 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 suspicions 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 specially 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 Tide 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 general 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 the ancient inhabitants of the Country so that upon some conclusion of a few things between us and the rest of the Cretans who were not altogether so spightfull against the Lydian customes as the others we for the present dissolved any further Treaty which in a manner is as much as I can say of our present state and affaires untill I shall be better instructed either by the Natives inclinations or concerning the Kings fortunes and successe it not being yet a month since the intended Treaty was broake up Roxana as she had beene very attentive to all Dedalus discourse for that shee was extreamely desirous to informe her selfe in what particulars she could concerning the passages of the Island so when he had absolutely made an end of what he would say she used these words unto him truly my Lord said she I must needs confesse this seemes to my imagination to be a most unfortunate Country in the generall if not to be threatned by some desperate fate from the heavens to its destruction however of the other side it seems something doubtfull as yet to my apprehension in what things the Natives are so much to blame according to many mens thoughts since it is but reasonable as the King is to expect from them their fidelity and assistance so they should in some sort be assured in their religion and possessions especially in a conjuncture of times when there are so many enemies of all parts that conspire their ruine not onely in respect of the Myssians that are in open hostility against them but in regard also of those that attend abour Evarchus person at the Court who are no way inclinable as you have already intimated to favour their proceedings or interest Truly Madam answered Dedalus if there were no more in it then those generals you mention there might be much said in their behalfes but being pleased to admit so farre of a tedious discourse that I may a little take apart the particulars of their demands I make no question but you will easily perceive that as they were unreasonable to exact from the Kings necessities such conditions so was it unpossible for him to grant them their desires without endangering in a manner the whole frame of his affairs both in Lydia and Creet it selfe Dedalus finding that Roxana was most willing to heare all his arguments for her better satisfaction he began thus to dispute First said he for their propositions mentioned not onely to have a free liberty to exercise their owne Countrey rights in the worship of the gods according to the use of Delphos but to have most of the chiefe Temples belonging to the Island delivered into their hands with all the rents and revenues belonging unto them it cannot but evidently appeare to all knowing judgements what a distraction it would soone have made in Creet when as in many places most of the inhabitants themselves are contrary in their opinions to those principles whereupon would follow a most desperate confusion amongst all sorts of people when such should be of a suddaine debarred of the usuall place of their sacrificing to the gods by those that formerly were subject to their lawes and customes and much more strange and distastfull it would be to have the maintenance of all their Priests and Flamins being for the most part Lydians by birth taken from them and they turned with their whole families into the world without any substance at all after so long a time of possession and settlement besides it is very well knowne many of the Noblemen and Gentry of the Country it selfe upon whose fidelity and power the Kings present affaires depended were actually vested in a great part of those Titles and rents
Ceremony But however I seemed to be carried triumphantly in a Chariot beyond the reach of any envy yet my rivall forgot not the effects of revenge since he esteemed himselfe not onely to suffer in honour but in love and the rather for that he imagined from that instant Eretheria turned in some sort her lookes more graciously towards me then formerly she had done by reason of the fortunate successe I had in the Tiâ—ing Wherefore one day meeting me halfe arm'd in the Park belonging to the Court he set upon me with all violence both with his language and weapon insomuch as I had enough to doe to avoid the one as I did not at all dispute with him in the other since my best faculties had imployment sufficient to defend my person against so spightfull a valour though the Gods favouring my innocency more then his injustice at last gave me an unfortunate victory since not onely his life was the price of my conquest but the feare of a dishonourable death compelled me quickly to quit Cyprus to avoid the prosecution of his powerfull friends where however I have left my heart a prisoner to be condemned or saved by the mercy of beautious Eretheria which occasioned also the slaughter of this beast before your eyes for conceiving my own Countrey my best place of refuge untill this storm might be blown over I retired hither with two servants onely who are not yet arrived and travelling the woods having lost my way I accidentally met with this hunted Boar that set upon me with som fury which forced me at first to the encounter else I should have scarce been so uncharitable as to have destroyed the sport These accidents deere Cassianus said he have been the reasons that brought me into Lydia onely happy now in our meeting Cassianus having both kept silence and observed attentivenesse in his friends discourse as it were congratulating his story and welcome by foure or five sad sighes being compelled by his importunity to make relation of his own fortunes also without many circumstances began in this mannerâ— After my unfortunate father as you well know said he had paid the death of his rash attempt in taking upon him the Crown of Mesopotamia contrary to the good liking of Artaxes great King of Armenia with his death and losse of his fruitfull Countrey of Iberia my infancy as you were a witnesse was carefully cherished by my mothers naturall goodnesse insomuch as she thought not my yeeres capable of your imployments in Cyprus although both my desires and wishes accompanied you in your journey however after your departure she designed me to another Warre though by much more gentle yet not so honourable which was to court the love of a rich Heire not farre off the place where we lived by whose power she conceived if I could compasse the Marraige I might be againe rendred capable to contend with Tygranes Duke of Colches who enjoyed the Possession of my native Countrey by the donation of Artaxis in retribution of that service he did him in the prosecution of my Father but no sooner had a fitting preparation elevated my thoughts to the enterprise but the King became advertized of the intention so that arriving at her Castle I was encountred by my double Rivall the Duke contrary to my expectation who came there also with the same designe though fortified as he thought with far greater pretentions since he brought with him the strong recommendation of his mighty friend the King of Armenia but the Gods know with what labour I supprest the passion of my soul that it might not burst out into a rude and inhospitable contention to destroy absolutly my intended proceedings so that both of us addressing our selves to the Ladies presence with a quiet civility we were received in outward shew with equall courtesie which continued us for some weekes in her Palace only seeking occasions how we might best present our affections with most conveniency to deceive each other But the Duke whether impatient of his long attendance or suspecting I received private favours to his prejudice of a sudden one morning before any one was up in the house tooke his leave both of his Chamber and the Castle by which meanes he left me in full possession of my desires since I thought no obstacle now was able to hinder my proceedings of a prosperous issue in which paradise of felicity I continued for many dayes solacing my selfe with delightful fancies whilst in the mean time the Duke was preparing a snare not onely to captivate the Lady but to entrap me for not long after hee marched in person with a powerfull Army to besiege the Castle where we both remained which newes made me dispose of my selfe by flight into certaine obscure Woods not farre off whereby I might not onely be secure from the danger of my mortall enemy but have conveniency by my escape to procure some reliefe to succour the distressed Lady which accident hath brought me into Lydia to renew my fathers old suite to Euarchus for the recovery of our ancient inheritance the Principality of Iberia since the Lady as I heare hath not onely lost her Castle but I my hopes for she is constrained to become a captive wife to the cruell Tyrant Tygranes Duke of Colches And this deare Eumene is the sad story of my fortunes and the more to be lamented since I am not certaine to what resolution my Uncles thoughts will be brought he yet being determined but to send an Ambassador to treat for a peaceable friendly restitution whilst in the meane time I languish between hope and despaire But scarce was he come to this issue when they might hear the Hounds in ful cry pursue the footsteps of the dead Boare towards the place where they were which gave Eumenes no conveniency for reply hardly time sufficient to protect the testimony of his victory from the violent cruelty of the Dogges who seemed not to be pacified in his death Wherefore rising from the seat where he sat and snatching up the head he held it upon the point of the speare in the aire whilst the Hounds with open mouthes seemed to besiege his person untill the Huntsmen themselves comming into the quarre were forced to defend him from their rude violence and in that imployment he continued while the other almost lost companie had leisure to assemble to perfect the triumph for the slaughter of that cruell Beast that had done so much mischiefe in the Country terrifying the common people with the frightfull apprehension of his aspect who durst not travell by the places of his habitation to follow their necessary occasion But not long had the Ladies satisfied their curiosities in beholding the dead Boare though yet at some distance scarce beleeving him so in effect as also infinitly commending Eumenes valour that had in single Combate brought him to his destruction as they understood by Cassianus that had been the eye-witnesse of the
a certaine Favourite shee had not bearing with any patience was forcibly confined to heâ— Chamber whil'st her servant lost his life in the resistance Thus shee continued her imprisonment untill the Kings duty and the policy of one Philostros that belonged unto the Queene procured her agiane her liberty But Anaxia not yet content with this priviledge of being released began to cast about in her active minde how shee might be also interessed as formerly in State Affaires and to that purpose imployed Philostros as a crafty Instrument to compasse her desire who in a short time so well plaid his Cards although for his own advantage that he not onely became an intimate Councellor to the King but put his owne Mistresse cleane out of favour with her Son whereby he might have the better opportunity to manage all Court businesses himselfe since he knew shee could not but obscure or at least interrupt his greatnesse with the absolute power he intended The Queene whose courage could not easily be supprest as her wit was not to be limitted began publickly to cast all her affection upon her second Son Orestes in requitall as shee thought of the Kings disrespect to her person the onely heire apparent to the Crowne since Orsames his brother had no issue at all and to that purpose not onely gave him free liberty but powerfull assistance in his love and courtships he had long pretended to a young Lady though a stranger of great birth under her protection called Alciana whereby he might be rendred more powerfull to oppose Philostros proceedings as well in the ample kindred of the Lady as in the hope he should give the Kingdome of a plentifull posterity by her but the subtile favourite not alone apprehending the growing danger to his Master by the foresaid greatnesse of his brother since all mens eyes were cast upon him as the unquestionable Successor Orsames not being like to have children but willing also to exercise his spight against the Queens plots out of ambition not to be out-witted by a woman possest the King privately with a jealous opinion of the dangerous consequence of such a conjunction himselfe being without issue since the people would be more apt as he said to looke upon his brothers established house then his own present government When as long as he was unmarried the eyes of the multitude would be diverted to other confused objects of pretenders not absolutely setled upon any one And this was sufficient with the addition of Philostros counsell no lesse then an Oracle in the beliefe of Orsames to cause him to send for his brother and taking him aside into a private gallery began to expostulate with him in this manner Orestes said he I know you cannot be so ill natured as to forget the affection I have alwayes borne you as a brother nor doe I believe the world is not sufficiently perswaded of the care I have of you as your Prince which two tyes must draw from me both for your good and my safety rather a discreet admonition then a commanding injunction since my desire is it should be so interpreted and executed by you know then that I understand there is a private affection growing if not already gone too farre betweene you and Alciana a match I conceive neither convenient for your state or the welfare of Syria since you are not onely a great Kings sonne borne but likely to be inheritor of my Crowne and Dignity which also would distaste the whole Kingdome when your thoughts should be perswaded rather to make election of a stranger then one of your own Country since there are so many beyond her worth your regard but to avoid further expostulation and to make tryall of your obedience it being the lawes of Syria that the next heire should not marry without the consent of the Prince that you presently lay downe your affections and entertaine no new ones without my privity This I conjure you to performe both out of the love you ought to beare me as a brother and the reverence you owe me as a Prince without examining further my reasons if you meane to enjoy my smiles and not undergoe the heavy weight of my indignation and left him also at the same instant in a Sea of confusion to converse only with his unruly imaginations which continued Orestes for some time as it were frozen in his despaire untill having sufficiently tired himselfe with diversities of fancies sometimes complaining against his brothers cruelty and otherwhile cursing Philostros policy at last resolved to carry the newes to his almost lost Mistresse where after he had with many sighes and more teares laid open the Tyrannicall sentence of the King as he called it they both cast their pittifull lookes at one another as if they meant to blame themselves for the misfortune which for the present parted them like two that went to their graves never more to enjoy the comfort of each others conversation But Orestes not being long able to beare the torment of this rigid injunction flew to Anaxias affection for a redresse whom as he conceived wanted neither power nor will to assist him in his extremity and shee as quickly with compassion carried his complaints to Orsames fortified with all the reasons the prerogative of a mother could use however the absolute power of Philostros beat downe with violence her diligent endeavours pretending the safety of the King and the prosperity of Syria was to be preferred either before a brothers foolish passions or a mothers preposterous desires which onely left the enraged Queene to mutiny against her sons seeming disobedience finding how much her owne power was lessened by the growing greatnesse of him shee had preferred to maintaine it But notwithstanding Orsames consent could not be wonne to the continued loves of the young Couple yet Orestes by the helpe of his witty and indulgent mother not onely was encouraged still to prosecute his setled affection to Alciana but procured meanes oftentimes to meet his Mistresse secretly in a garden belonging to the Queenes Lodgings where their passions caused them for the most part to burst forth into these expressions O Alciana said Orestes how unjust are the Gods to debarre us from that conversation that lovers of meanest condition enjoy with abundant liberty how happy should we esteeme our selves to be said he if the open Fields were made privy to our vertuous intentions and the innocent birds called as witnesses to our frequent vowes to sing Epithalamions to our marriage Feasts O the unhappy state of Crowns so much covered and yet brings with it consuming fires of all content kindled by the raging flames of restlesse suspicion the destruction of friendship and charity How fortunate should we be deare Alâ—iana said he if a poore Cottage were the present habitation for our persons and a course bed the resting place for our loves rather then be thus fettered with the golden bands of vaine Titles falsely called priviledges that
imprison us from our chiefe delights and onely happinesses Then the faire Alciana with teares instead of expressions would oftentimes signifie her approbation of his reasons and then againe breake forth into these passions of wishing her selfe rather a Shepherdesse then a Princesse so shee might freely possesse her beloved Orestes accusing Cupid for want of power or pitty to let them suffer so undeservedly also complaining bitterly against the remorselesse rules of State and policy that imposed such thraldome upon lovers against divine and humane lawes then returned to a fresh cariere of weeping as if shee meant to send up her griefe to heaven by water to procure redresse though almost in the same moment shee cast doâ—â—e her eyes and hands as if despaire had beaten back her prayers from thence when shee considered the power of their adversaries after all shee continued in a sad silence untill more then hopes of the Queenes assistance transported both their thoughts againe to be confident of fruition without danger or inconvenience And thus these two mournfull though sometimes comforted lovers would often spinne out the tedious houres of the night without rest much lesse sleep till Phoebus himselfe was forced to give them warning to depart who like valiant champions made good the field untill the uttermost minute notwithstanding their carefull servants divers times sounded the retreat for feare of a surprize But however they endeavoured in this manner to enjoy some part of their loves like people in a barren Country that beheld a farre off a fruitfull Island and could not get to it by reason of the interposition of the Sea though some thing delighted with the sight onely yet crafty Philostros that had alwayes his eyes open to those designes he had a minde to compasse quickly became informed of their nightly meetings and almost as soon carried the discovery to his Masters intelligence wherein he alledged that the Queen her selfe was the principall instrument that procured the young Couple such frequent opportunities and therefore with more care and violence as he said to be prevented so that an Act presently past in the Councell to have the Lady sent home to her owne friends whereby shee might be absolutely separated from Orestes courtships Which suddenly being put in execution it was a question whether amazement or despaire plaid the greater part in the lovers bosomes however the Queene retaining yet her ancient courage not onely sharply expostulated the businesse with the King her Son but when shee saw shee could not prevaile by any perswasion gave private Counsell and permission to Oresteâ— to leave the Court whereby to prosecute his marriage with his Mistresse Alciana in her owne Country This you may believe he wanted not diligence to execute when the authority of a mother complied with his owne violent desires so that secretly stealing to the Castle of Alciana he instantly gave intelligence of the approaching Nuptialls by the invitation of all the Princes of her kindred to assemble at an appointed day to be Noble witnesses of the joyfull Triumphs intended But Philostros finding himselfe likely to be out-stript by a womans wit began to conjure up all the spirits of his politicke braine for prevention and fell upon an attempt to corrupt a certaine intimate Favorite belonging to Orestes not onely with the promise of a great Dukedome in the Country of Syria but also to bestow upon him a rich Heire in Marriage the better to maintaine the Title These glorious baits I say so farre prevailed in the Favorites ambitious and false nature that he was content to sell his Master to buy the purchase so that the two Lovers more open to Love then watchfall of Treason the night before the intended Ceremonies should have been performed being privately at their devotions in Venus Temple according to the prescribed custome they were both separate from one another by a selected company of Souldiers sent to that purpose by Philostroâ— which suddenly carried Orestes from the sad sight of his most dearely beloved Alciana who had onely opportunity left her to bewaile her misfortune whil'st her betrothed husband in the interim was conveyed into a strong Fort to be safely guarded untill the Kings pleasure should be knowne concerning the disposure of his person however his unworthy Favorite paid the deserved debt due to such a Treason for although Philostros performed with him punctually the agreement in giving him both the Dukedome and the heire yet the very day of his Nuptialls he caused him to lose his head for his reward Neverthelesse poore Orestes neither received liberty from his imprisonment or easement of his griefe which caused him for the most part to sit with his armes crosse looking up at the heavens as if he accused them for his sufferings And his strained passions sometimes would violently burst forth into imprecations both against his brother and Philostros calling Orsames Tyrantâ— and his Favorite the Center of deceipt from whose wickednesses as he fancied proceeded streames of disturbances that drowned the whole world in confusion Such discontented language did his distempers break forth which however rather tired himselfe then wounded his enemies whilst in the meane time Philostros plaid with him like a huge Fish intangled with an angle too great suddenly to pull out of the water letting him by degrees worke himselfe out of breath that at last he might deale with him according to his pleasure since there is no better remedy against violent contention then not to seeme to strive with it which renders it like an enlarged flame lesse furious Even so it fared with this Prince that having tired himselfe by his overmuch passion seemingly at last came to so underhand a patience that he appeared fitted for those impressions which Philostros had a minde he should seale and to that purpose imployed one Dion an ancient Noble man of Syria intrusted formerly by Oreste father in many weighty imployments to perswade him to passe such Acts as his policy thought most convenient for Orsames security which was publickly to disavow that private contract made between him and Alciana since the opinion every one had of that marriage gave not onely hopes of a new posterity but a certainty also of assistance by her kindred upon all occasions Wherefore one day this Dion watching the time when Orestes was in his best temper and his thoughts appearing most calmed from extravagancies entred into his Chamber with such a humility as became the distances of their persons And after a while spent in divers discourses the better to disguise his intentions he began with him in this manner My Lord said he as it was my happinesse during the life of your admired Father to be not onely witnesse of his glorious actions but as a Servant to his commands spent my youthfull yeares in the advancement of his fame whereby he became lov'd at home and fear'd abroad and that setled this mighty Monarchy of Syria before almost torne in pieces by domesticke
in a manner beyond any remembrance either by gift or purchase who no doubt upon such a disadvantagable change meerly out of spleene and distaste would have quickly turned their endeavours and affections to the countenancing absolutely of the Myssians proceedings against Evarchus their Prince In the next place whereas they demanded that either no strange governours should be appointed over any part of the Island but meerly Natives or at leastwise such as should be approved by the generall councell instituted by themselves I pray consider but with indifference which I know you doe what an extraordinary and I may say a most preposterous inconveniency it would have brought upon the Kings designes not onely by reason of those contemptible opinions it would have created in all mens minds concerning his actions and want of spirit but also have given so generall a distast to all his Subjects of best quality in both Kingdomes that the effects must needs have beene of a most dangerous consequence when as the principall men of honour should be absolutely outed both of their present command or future expectation to give way to the advancement of such people that neither knew well how to governe when they should be imployed or the King himselfe could be at all certaine of their fidelitie when they were in office as well in regard of the fantasticall inconstancies of their own natures and dispositions as also in respect of their severall interests depending upon other Nations And last of all whereas it is desired that all those lands be againe restored to the ancient Natives of the Island which had beene at any time forfeited for what pretended rebellion soever either in the raigne of the father of Evarchus or the old Queene of Lydia and so consequently in the possession of any Lydians or Myssians would have proved as dangerous an inconveniency to the Kings affaires as any other thing we have yet mentioned and in truth would have beene a worke besides the generall distaste of a most stupendious labour to have effected not onely in regard of the severall intricate Titles that must of necessily depend upon the long continuation of them from one family to another by reason of alienations and bargaines of diverse natures and manners made betweene man and man but also would be a most difficult matter for the Natives themselves justly to distribute with an indifferent equality and content to each party who should make their demands since as many would pretend to what was none of their owne so others againe being but very young if at all then borne when their ancestors lost the possessions of their estates the property of them being also since that time changed either by cutting down of woods erecting of building or peopling of Townes and Villages would be defrauded of their dues for want of certaine knowledge what belonged to their Parents besides how many hundred of families would be turned to a most miserable begging posture who as Tennants to their Lords had laid out their money of a considerable valew upon purchases either for lives or yeares and knew not where to seeke other habitations with their wives and children for their subsistance neither truly could the Natives make any considerable profit of the said lands for want of people to mannure them since it is very well knowne they in their owne persons are not any way husbandmen or at all industrious without the Lydian assistance wherefore consequently this course and alteration must bring a generall devastation upon the whole Countrey but put case some would readily yield to these orders and in junctions by reason of quietnesse and possession yet no doubt but the most part would oppose being by birth or extraction either Myssians or Lydians which of necessity would procure confusion enough as also be a meanes that Evarchus enemies would dispossesse all his friends under their jurisdiction in like manner wheresoever they had gained by their swords any thing over the Kings fortunes in Lydia Myssia or Creet Of the other side if we doe but consider the small aide and assistance these people could have afforded their Prince at the best we shall find these concessions upon the matter would have beene wholly lost since they undertooke onely to procure him ten thousand men to be imployed in his Warres without paying them for any considerable time and the gods know perhaps they would not fully have performed those promises being as uncertaine in their undertakings as unreasonable in their demands No no Madam said he these were but meer chymeras broached by some of their eminent commanders for their own ends to render themselves great and potent amongst the people and afterward would have made use of their power as their ancestors did before them to no other purpose but to exercise Tyranny and nourish rebellion And however I say that the messenger sent from Delphos seemed to concurre in these designes yet I will not say he erred so much in will and intention as out of ignorance and want of judgement neverthelesse though he imagined onely perhaps to reduce the inhabitants to their ancient obedience to the Temple of Delphos without prejudicing much others rights yet his complying so much with their rude and barbarous customes in outward shew according to the old Natives humours with his publickly discountenancing all others of a more civill conversation notwithstanding they professed the same religion and worship of the gods gave not onely cause of too much suspition concerning his designes and purposes but occasioned a great deale of confusion and distraction in the generall as well to the overthrow of the Kings Interest as to the hazard of the Natives subsistance in their owne Country in regard of the advantages their enemies the Myssians make of their differences But heare a messenger sent from the Princesse Cloria stopt their further discourse who as he said desired to speake with Roxana so that the old woman onely thanking Dedalus for what was past and promising too meet him often upon the same subject made hast to know her Mistresses pleasure When Roxana came into her Chamber the Princesse told her that she had beene lately troubled with a most untoward and fearefull dreame which however in her thoughts she was not at all superstitious as shee said yet shee could not absolutely free her apprehension from the consideration of it shee imagined her selfe and Narcissus to be upon the Sea together in one Vessell when of a sudden an extreame darknesse seemed to cover the face of the water in so much as they could not perceive any thing at all about them whereupon both of them remaining frighted with a kind of horrour to see so great an unexpected change in the weather from a cleare Sun-shine-day to a time almost as black as night they might at last behold themselves incompassed round about with many ships belonging to the Senate of Lydia that bid them presently yield to that power without resistance unlesse they
knowing you to be in the same condition of danger and hazard how many lives would I have willingly sacrificed of my own with what torments soever but to have rendred you secure in my own thoughts in some Haven or Harbour of quietnesse free from the inconstant cruelty of the winds and raging tempest that appeared rebellious to all our wishes what infinite dammages did I conceive the whole world would sustaine by your losse since with you went away all vertue honour and beauty from the face of the earth sometimes I would call the Marriners from their necessary imployments to aske their opinions concerning your danger and condition whilst they barbarous and ignorant wretches rather minded their own present affaires then gave me any satisfactory reply as if they understood not the consequence of my demand but rather amazedly preferred their own safety before those thoughts appertaining to your particular which caused me equally to bestow both curses and prayers in your behalfe The Princesse finding Narcissus in some sort transported with these imaginations whereby probably she should be delayed from hearing the story of his adventures with a pretty kinde of jeering smile wisht him to leave off now any more care for her particular since as she said he found her safe and rather follow that relation she expected from him as a more necessary duty for the present This made him quickly fall to his taske with fewer circumstances then formerly in this manner A night and a day said he having kept us upon the Seas in this storme at last the skye cleared it selfe from its cloudy incumberance which made us perceive that we were neare the Island of of Rhodes wherefore finding our ship was much beaten with the Tempest and most of our company unable to undergoe a farther journey without some refreshment I gave my consent to have the vessell put into the Haven the rather because I hoped to heare some news of your safety in that City The chiefe commander of that Island for the present is a great noble man of Lydia who however he keeps a certaine correspondency with the Senate for his own more convenient security yet in his heart he is an entire servant to the King your Father which not onely made me think my welcome so much the better in his Country but his wife being my most neare kinswoman I was perswaded to make my aboad for some few dayes in that place whilst in the interim we sent out many small vessels to enquire after your condition but however I could have been very well content to have remained there longer in regard of the vertuous and noble entertainment both of the Lord and Lady yet upon the messengers returne finding no advertizement could be given concerning your particular with a certain kinde of melancholly rage I retired into my chamber where I continued notwithstanding any perswation to the contrary untill another ship was fitted for our transportation in regard ours was held forthe present altogether uncapable of another voyage without a great deale of mending and reparation within two or three dayes I took my leave of my kinswoman and her Lord though the gods knew in a very blunt manner my thoughts being over burthened for complements and presently directed my course to the Island of Cyprus where I hoped you were or at leastwise by my comming thither would be arrived notwithstanding I could not in my fearfull apprehension but doubt the worst notwithstanding those in the ship endeavoured by many circumstances to confirme me in a certain belief of your safety which made the journey something lesse tedious and distastfull I conjured the whole company entirely to conceale my name from any person whatsoever untill you were found when we landed at Salamine I understood the Queene your mother and my father were both lately removed from thence to Paphos where again strictly enquiring after you and not hearing any news whatsoever either of your aboad or safety after I had spent some time in tearing my haire and using other fruitlesse complaints I resolved in a disguise to seek you out in the country of Pamphylia whither very probably I conceited the winds and the storm might have driven your ship and by that meanes have committed your person to a new imprisonment since that Territory is known to belong unto the King of Egypt To this purpose having changed my habit being only accompanied by a few of my attendants I could best trust we put Egyptian colours upon the top of our vessel as if we had onely belonged to the principality of Pamphylia thus we salled with all possible speed towards the confines of the lesser Asia in regard we understand by certaine Merchants of Syria remaining in Salamine no newes had been heard of you in that Kingdome since your departure from the City of Memphis but the gods perhaps intending by this diversion to bring about other purposes according to their divine and inscrutable decrees before we approached the shore of Pamphylia by some howers sail we were suddenly set upon by two vessels of Tyre and presently commanded to yield our persons to their power and dispose without dispute or contradiction unlesse we would hazzard our selves in a contention most dangerous and desperate This language meeting my discontents and despaire caused me to make a greater resistance then was either convenient or necessary for our welfare untill at last being wounded in many parss of my body and not a few of the company slain or hurt our ship was not onely seised upon but my selfe carried to the Castle of the Town where an Officer belonging to Philos commanded me to custody for that Philos was for the present gone to Damascus within three daies Philos returned from Court and not long after comming into my chamber he quickly knew who I was so bestowing upon me some few complements I desiring him in the interim to conceale my name and qualisy he presently gave order for my respectfull attendance and necessary cure also he appointed me to be removed to the best lodgings in his Castle with a promise absolutely not to discover my person to any but his own sister Artemesia who as he said to his knowledge would contribute her best assistance to my recovery in this condition though extreamly afflicted inwardly by reason of your selfe I remained for at least a weeks space when againe one day Philos came and seated himselfe by my bed side telling me after some few complements that as his sister had provided such rare simples for the practise of my Physitians as could not otherwise be procured by all the power and arâ—â— the great and rich Kingdome of Syria so was she resolved shortly in person to give me a visit if not daily accompany me in my distempers when I should be rendred as he said more proper for the conversation of ladies then he made me exactly tell him the story or manner of our unfortunate separation at sea seeming extraordinary inquisitive
last called up most part of the house to her assistance left her dead in the view of all the spectators This sad disaster as you may imagine sufficiently inraged the whole company and conceiving me either the actor or the instrument of the Tragedy with all violence haled me to a closer prison in the Castle whilst according to the custome of those parts my processe was to be made the next morning by the Justice of the Towne before the body could either be buried or imbalmed This accident gave my confused thoughts sufficient imployment however I made a great question whether I should confesse my name or conceale my condition finding by my citation I was only called the ungratefull stranger which gave me some opinion that my quality was not generally knowne in the City believing as the one would not at all help to lessen the crime pretended against me but rather give the more suspition of a hidden designe in that I durst attempt a murther of that horrid nature which an ordinary person would never have performed so the other might in some sort helpe to hide the shame to our Family in being called to a publick defence in a case of such a wickednesse wherefore I determined not to reveale my selfe untill some apparent necessity procured it At my arraignment there was alleadged against me besides the breach of the rules of hospitality how that it was impossible any other could commit the murther since Artemesia was found alone with me in my chamber and it was not to be supposed she had killed her selfe On the conteary I pretended that being a meer stranger in those parts it could not be imagined I should harbour so much malice in my breast as to become the murtherer of one that had treated me in my sicknesse with abundance of humanity besides I said the weapon which had given Artemesia her deadly wound was found by all the company in her own hand but the businesse being thus to and fro violently disputed Artemesia's nurse was sent for to give further restimony of my carriage towards her Mistresse during my aboade in the Castle which could not chuse but give in the opinion of all there present a great deale of light in the disputation however the malicious old woman imagining her declarations might afforde me some assistance refused to come pretending she was necessarily imployed in the Funerall of her dead Mistresse being locked up with the body in her private chamber though the truth was she thirsted after my life to save the honour of Artemesia and the whole family since by that meanes I should not have the opportunity to divulge her preposterous love so that at last I was not only found guilty but condemned privately to lose my head within the Castle court fearing belike in my last speech I would publish some passages that might render the people satisfied of my innocency and Artemesia's lasciviousnesse Thus finding all my honest Rhetorick could not prevaile in my just defence to secure me from condemnation I resolved to declare my person hoping that although it might not prove of sufficient force to divert my judgement yet neverthelesse it would be a motive to prot act my execution untill Philos returned from Damascus which declaration happily met with my expectation For after the Judges with much amazement had entertained the knowledge of my condition being the son of him who was esteemed so intimate a friend to the Kingdome of Syria they not only presently signed my reprive but conveyed me with all the respect their laws would give them leave back againe to the prison where I remained untill Philos returne who brought with him the newes of Philostros death and buriall though foure dayes time was spent after his arrivall before he offered me a visit in which space I had liberty enough for consideration what would be my fate At last he came and saluted me with this discourse to my no small admiration My Lord said he I must not onely desire you to forget all your ill usage in this Castle but to interpret the reasons to have proceeded from a womans unruly passion for I cannot give it a better Title without my privity which my future actions and my present discourse shall testifie if either you will believe my words or pardon my intentions Be pleased then in short to know for my resolution is to make unto you a particular confession and after commit my selfe unto your goodnesse and mercy that when you and the faire Princesse Cloria were at Memphis with Orsames it was my fortune to be conquered by the power of love proceeding not only from the excellency of her beauty and conversation but as I may say was thrust upon me by such a forcible and precipitate fate that could not to be contradicted by the power of any reason or temper in so much as I must tell you in regard of those passions I could neither eate sleep nor rest with convenient satisfaction so that I conceived my selfe obliged for my preservation to contrive a project with the Lydian Ambassadour then remaining at Memphis which was to interrupt your passage at Sea going into Cyprus whereby the better to make a separation between your love and that which the Princesse bore you that both mine and my sister Artemesias might succeed in the places And however the gods prevented rather the manner of the execution then the effect of our designes by contrary stormes and accidents at Sea yet I must now enforme you that as your selfe by fortune were taken by our ships which hath since produced this late dismall mishap concerning my sister so the Princesse Cloria by chance falling upon the Coasts of the Island of Creet is now delivered into the possession of the Senate of Lydia and they as I am enformed from those Ambassadors of our Country that are at Sardis intend with some violence to bestow her in marriage upon her Consin Cassianus Prince of Iberia whereby the better to fortifie their pretentions and Titles against King Euarchus her father however they seemed for a long time to play with my hopes as if they only intended her for my satisfaction belike imagining that such an expectation would alwayes be sufficient to continue our family faithfull to their purposes and so consequently make my Uncle Philostros ever willing to imploy his power with Orsames for their advantages but he being now dead which newes they have already received in Lydia they publickly disclaime from having any such intention as believing now we can no more contribute profitably to their designes wherefore as my thoughts and resolutions intend a present retirement in some place of religion to seek pardon of the gods for my many violent and unjust ambitions so did I very well know their mercies in no kind were to be obtained without such a particular declaration of my own faults which I have now made unto you as I can no way doubt of your charity and compassion
his own capacity and courage since it is impossible but humane nature at the length will be tired with over much suffering and by consequence faile for want of true information there is no contradiction of your opinion said Creses but such is the crafty spight of some that they will permit none to be about the Kings person that dares loyally afford him any profitable consolation because they may the sooner bring him to consent to their desires Yet replyed Roxana it is not well known what those desires are since they never durst for all I could ever learne publickly declare their intentions but doe as it were in a dark mist endeavour to possesse the people that the King refuseth something he is obliged to grant for the good of his Subjects by which meanes they strive still to maintaine their credits and opinions amongst the common sort It is so Madam said Creses however since you are fallen upon that point I shall let you know how farre the King hath yet condiscended to their demands whereby the better to dispossesse the People of that beliefe they are perswaded to have in the Senates integrity though I verily thinke they now more feare their power then trust their intentions for whereas not many dayes agoe they proposed to Euarchus to have the power of the force of the Kingdome for twenty yeares both by Sea and Land the King hath yielded to grant them that jurisdiction during his life though not for that terme which appears now to be the greatest difference between them since the Senate seemes not content with this offer whereupon the Myssians have lately put our a furious declaration against the Senate pressing the King to such unreasonable conditions In good earnest answered Roxana I cannot tell whether I have more cause to smile at the seeming ridiculousnesse of these proceedings or be amazed to see men growne so foolishly unreasonable since Euarchus appeares to my understanding to be willing to part with more from his own hopes then what the Senate requires for that if he grant the power of the Kingdome out of his hands during his life it gives more assurance to the Senate that he intends no more to raigne if he had quitted his power for so many yeares only since he might have some thought to over live that prescribed terme againe for the Myssians I wonder most of all at their new loyalty to their Prince when they have been as I may say the only cause that hath made him no King though now anew they seeme to desire to re-establish him in his ancient authority which certainly cannot be but upon other designes of advantage to themselves more then for Euarchus prosperity Truly Madam said Creses in the generall it is as you say but yet there are so many mysteries hid under these proceedings that they are capable to deceive the sharpest judgement if some light be not given by information Wherefore you must know that both Euarchus and the Senate know very well that the consequence of all the Affaires chiefly depend upon the assurance of the safety of the Kings person since he cannever 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 sinde 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 cousented 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 out 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 their 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 notyet 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 Late 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 If Justice could some savour finde Or were not rather truly blind Ambition sure durst never we are 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 Diety Yet whilst that fate and pride contend
the Sacrifice of offered CASSIANUS The Princesse could not chuse but reade this Letter with a little kind of trembling as if she feared what she did not doubt since the worst she was to expect as she thought from Cassianus was to comply with her desire but it is the nature of all passion to produce new violences whether in those things we wish or others we would not have And so it fared with sweet Cloria who in a manner dreaded what she had designed to be because it came But after a lovely smile had taken possession of that countenance that for a while put on some distraction she told her governesse that although their plot in all apparance had thus far well succeeded since she perceived her Cousin was wonne to be sufliciently valiant yet she made some question how she was to entertaine his presence when he should make his addresses for if she should as she said give him but ordinary welcome he might againe fall back from his seeming fury against Farezius and if too well he might expect some greater engagement then was convenient for her to grant Truly Madam answered Roxana make no scruple to let him have as much as you can spare upon the old score since my Lord Narcissus appearance at any time will absolutely blot outthe obligation which you know were the first conditions you treated upon in saving the old Flamines life I but said Cloria I should be very sorry any suspected testimony did remaine that so much as intimated my thoughts could ever be perswaded to another choyce In good sooth said the old woman your conscience is so tender in matters of love that I believe when you are married to your servant you will make a doubt whether he be the same man or no and by that meanes call your affection in question to the raising of some desperate jealousie between you At these words the Princesse smil'd but was prevented in her reply by the information she received that her dinner waited her pleasure It was not long after this discourse before Cassianus himselfe in person came into the Princesse Lodgings not only in confirmation of the truth of his Letter he had sent but as it were according to his profession to obraide Farezius suspected if not pretended love although Cloria for that present was so busied by reason of some imployment in her chamber with her maid servants that Roxana was constrained with some complements not only to give him entertainment but to make her Mistresses excuse which at last seated them both in a withdrawing roome belonging to the Princesses lodgings and that conveniences drew on many discourses amongst which Cassianus was perswaded by the old womans desires to relate the passages of his own fortunes with the rest of the Princes of Armenia pretended to be injured by the usurped power of Artaxes their great King which he delivered in this manner as a greater motive by Roxana's meanes to perswade Clorias affections You must know said he that after the valiant King of Scythia had lost his life in the Armenian Warres in defence of the Princes rights who were esteemed oppressed by Artaxes power a story most sufficiently known to all my selfe came into Lydia to demand assistance of Euarchus my Uncle to recover againe my conquered Country of Iberia detained from me by Tigranes Duke of Colchis Orsames also at the same time began his Warres against our oppressor with the same pretentions since Philostros his powerfull Favourite judged it a worke full of piety and justice however he knew there would be much bloud spilt in the quarrell since as his master was mighty Artaxes was obstinate and both ambitious And to this purpose not onely prosecuted his designe with much violence against the King of Armenia but in a short time Orsames gained many Countries so that at last he brought Artaxes to be willing to accept if not to demand a publike Treaty whereby as t was pretended Asia againe might be reduced to its former happy condition by the effects of a generall peace since the discomposure of such mighty interests seemed to threaten the whole world with a fatall destruction and to this effect all the injured Princes were called to shew forth their accustomed priviledges in a City upon the Confines of Syria and Armenia which was a place chosen as most indifferent for that effect where their Commissioners then meeting and yet remaining with more disputes then hopes of agreements gave occasion to the Senate of Lydia to invite me to flye to their protection as well for present subsistance as future hopes since it appeared these two powerfull Kings only beheld their own ambitions as the chiefe object of their considerations though they pretend a more charitable intention in their actions But my Lord said Roxana as I doe not desire to trouble my thoughts with the rights of other Princes that have little relation to our affaires but as they may concerne your particular so in regard they may prove over tedious for our intended discourse since the Princesse her selfe will be likely to surprize us before we have finished I must intreat the honour only to be made acquainted with those things that shall belong to your owne Titles and the rather for that I have heard some disputes formerly to that purpose which I was not very well able to answer and should be very glad to be better provided against other arguments of the same nature Truly Madam answered Cassianus as it is impossible for me to sever in all respects the interests of other Princes from my own so I will endeavour to avoid what unnecessary discourse may prove either tedious or impertinent after that Roxana had acknowledged the favour by a few complements he related these particulars Although I am confident said he that you are competently informed that my dead father was dispossessed of his fruitfull Countrey of Iberia for taking up of Armes against the power of Artaxes King of Armenia yet may not be perhaps sufficiently instructed how Tygranes became possessor of our Countries Titles and Honours wherefore be pleased to know that after my said father was driven forcibly from the possession of the Crowne of Mesopotamia which he had received by the free election of that people who found themselves oppressed by the Lawes Artaxes had imposed upon their consciences as well as many of the Nobility deprived of such Lands belonging to the Temples in their possessions which their predecessors had lest them though formerly taken away I must confesse by violence from the Flamines and my mother forced to flye to her friends charity for succour and safety the King of Armenia with the assistance of Tygranes riches prosecuted so farre his begun good fortune that in a short space he not only quieted the stirres in his dominions but advanced his power into Iberia which being without any support but what few Forces Euarchus his father then King of Lydia had send to defend his daughters
my Father and Mother but bashfull superstitions yet I can assure you I shall never be so much wanting to my own honour as rather not a thousand times to venture my deerest life then to give away my selfe to any love whatsoever without their inward consent and publike approbation but let us for the present leave that subject and only fall upon the consideration or the meanes whereby the King may be redeemed from his miseries which Rhetorick would not only farre better please my eares but be a much more profitable discourse in my opinion since in the other point I am resolved still to remaine obstinate notwithstanding any perswasion to the contrary Truly said Roxana as I must needs confesse the thing it selfe is difficult to bring about and the wayes more uncertaine to know how so of the other side I am so farre from believing the impossibility of the Kings restoration to his ancient dignity that according to my owne thoughts I shall give you very probable reasons whereby to perswade you to it if my fancy doth not much outgoe my judgement For although I cannot deny but that the Countrey of Lydia being throughly united under a well setled government with the addition of Ionia and Caria that afford so many considerable havens furnished with multitude of shipping is a condition scarce to be attempted by any power yet considering the impatience of the peoples natures with the daily oppressions of them by the heavy weight of Taxations a quick division will be wrought in the hearts of those that must of necessity be wonne to the change of lawes and government before the ancient constitutions by which the Subjects have formerly lived happily for so many ages can be totally taken away However for the present perhaps either feare or hope exercises so farre mens thoughts that hardly as yet have they leasure for consideration but when as I say they shall finde this is like to be perpetuall they will with much violence desire againe their old subjection though at first they were foolishly perswaded to seeke a new government And more especially if those two great Monarchs of Syria and Aegypt once make that accord that all Asia attends with a greedy expectation which may soon be effected since the King of Armenia hath already agreed with his discontented Princes and also hath condiscended to give satisfaction to the Scythian Crowne whereby to deliver his Countrey absolutely from that power that hath so many yeares molested it with its armes But Roxana said the Princesse what will those agreements conduce to my fathers benefit when every Prince regards only his own concernments besides their extreame jealousie of one anothers glory will not suffer them to undertake any conquest joyntly And put case they should accord constantly in their purposes yet when the people of Lydia shall see themselves ready to be invaded by a forraigne power they will certainly more strongly conforme their obediences to this jurisdiction they now live under whereby the better to prevent a new threatning danger It is true said Roxana untill the Subjects be made more desperate in their sufferings the people will not be content to trust strangers with their liberty but yet the assistance that is desired from forraigne Princes needs not to consist wholly in numerous Armies but in small and frequent supplies both of men and moneyes which joyned with the Kings party and laying hold of the many discontents already ingendred in the hearts of most cannot but conduce exceedingly to the overthrow of this new government Besides there is another benefit that may be expected from other Countreyes being at open difference with the Senate of Lydia and that is denying their Merchants the liberty of Trade within their dominions which at last must of necessity discontent and impoverish the rich City of Sardis from whence the Souldiers are if not mainteined at leastwise supplyed upon all urgent occasions But why answered Cloria may not these Princes and especially the two great Monarchs of Aegypt and Syria as well forbid the free commerce you speak of in the time of their own differences as when they shall be at peace between themselves if they have any intention to right my father as I have heard they doe pretend Because replyed Roxana they are both so full of their own ambition that neither dares offend the State of Lydia as yet untill their Warres be at an end between themselves least they might give too much advantage to each other by the assistance of so powerfull a Kingdome as this is Then said the Princesse there may be some hopes to better my fathers affaires when these Kings shall thinke it good to put up their bloudy swords and not before I conclude not so Madam answered Roxana for although these exasperated Princes against their own quiet should have neither temper in their actions nor finde wisedome in their councellours untill meere necessity should constraine their Subjects to seek peace with violence which were too dangerous a president yet it is to be hoped that the Myssians with the Cretan Forces joyned to the discontents of Lydia by reason of diversity of Religions and interests would in time restore the King to his ancient dignity Pish Roxana replyed Cloria for the Myssians I have so little confidence in their assistance that what countenance soever their actions put on I can scarce be perswaded of their intentions since they once sold my father to this misery he now undergoes when they had a gallant Army in the Field to have redeemed both his person and his Crowne And for the Cretans besides that they are of a different profession to ours concerning the worship of the gods there are also so many factions amongst them by way of private ambition that they rather goe backe daily in their own affaires then shew any probability of helping others And for the discontents of Lydia which you mention with their diversities of Religions I doe not finde upon all occasions but they can very well lay downe their own spleenes when there appears a necessity to oppose my fathers prosperity Lastly concerning the common peoples sufferings I am perswaded they are resolved to endure any subjection or almost bondage it selfe rather then to be willing the King should recover againe his lost rights by force and power of the sword without making first some conditions with his prerogative notwithstanding he hath divers times given them by protestations what assurances could be desired from a just and a religious Prince Madam answered Roxana your opinion I must confesse is grounded upon a great deale of probabillity considering how the Myssians not onely sold the King to the power of the Senate but at the first beginning of these troubles came into Lydia to dispute your fathers rights But yet if you please to consider that the reason of their actions then proceeded from the extreame covetousnesse of some eminent persons amongst them who finde now they can expect no more
to give it interruption by his addresses so that he walked up and down a green walke demanding such questions as were necessary for his information untill the youth also modestly desired some satisfaction concerning his adventures which was the easier granted since the relation not onely suited well enough with the Princes intention of courtesie and affability but with the conveniency of the time when they were both seated upon the same root that had been Cassianus uneasie pillow he gave him this instruction of his fortunes with few or no circumstances but what many deepe sighes contrived My Father said he Prince of Iberia was in his youthfull yeeres inflamed with the report of the excellent beauty of Elizana your Kings sister whose fame could not be circumscribed within the limits of Lydia which made him after a long solicitation by Letters take a journey in person to the Court to tender the affection and respects due to a Lady of so eminent birth and vertues notwithstanding he seemed not to bring with him dignity titles riches sufficient to deserve so glorious a match This I must tell you rendred the Queen her mother then living an absolute enemy to his courtships supposing her daughter to be undervalued by the choice nevertheless the State of Lydis finding not onely a certaine concurrencie in their loves but an agreement of their Religions for that both Countries had left the obedience of Deâ—phoâ—â— perswaded the King her Father to the alliance supposing all other defects would be buried by those unities so that in a short time the Marriage was solemnized with most magnificent Ceremonies though in the interim the triumphes were something obscured by the sudden death of the Prince her elder Brother whose disposition in his life gave such opinions of his future greatness that the world began already to tremble with the very apprehension of his fate yet the accident advanced my Mother a step neerer to the Crowne since there was none left of the Race to inherite but my Uncle Euarebus and her selfe and this by consequence made my Father in the apprehension of Asia a far greater Prince then his own Fortunes could pretend unto insomuch as returning into his native Countrie with his illustrous Bride what honour could be imagined was cast upon him by the admiring people which honours raised excessively his aspiring thoughts notwithstanding many of his own ranke began to envy his prosperity especially one Tygranes Duke of Colchis who ever esteemed himself in possession the more powerfull Prince In fine the Kingdom of Mesopotamia revolting at the same time from the jurisdiction of Artaxis King of Armenia my Father was earnestly solicited to take upon him the Crown since he was onely able by his power and alliance as the people pretended to defend their proceedings against their tyrannicall Lord who had usurped too great a Prerogative both over their Lawes and Consciences The offer in a manner was no sooner proposed to the ambition of his youth being tickled with the desire of bearing the name of a King though many had refused the same tender but he accepted of the Government promising his protection as the Subjects did their fidelity and in this hopefull agreement he was with all Ceremony and State dignified with the Diadem in the regall City of the Kingdome But the possession however it brought with it honour and dignity it lessened not his care or trouble since the glory was to be maintained now it was purchased This enterprise gave as earnest warning to Artaxis to be dilligent in providing Forces to suppresse the example and punish the esteemed Rebellion that else might prove a leading Card as he thought to the quiet state of the rest of his Dominions that began already to waver in their obedience as it did desire in my Father to maintain what he had got though it were with never so great a violence and hazard In the first place Artaxis dispatches Ambassadors not onely to all his friends in other Countries laying before them the dangerous consequences of such a Revolt but also sent Messengers to his owne Subjects possessing them with the feare of the Rebells insolencie however his endeavours so little prospered for the present to his advantage the first sort being too far off to give him speedy assistance as the other too disobedient to lend him much aide that his Generall was constrained to take the Field with a very small number onely the Armie within some few weeks became increased by an addition of Tygranes Forces whose envie to my Father notwithstanding the neere kindred betweene them had rendred him a most mortall enemie But Artaxis Generall finding it was full time to dispute the right by the Sword though upon any disadvantage since all protraction did but increase the peoples suspition of the Kings disability that was not able to chastise one Subject who seemed to rebell against his Majesty and Power with as much courage as could proceed from desperate hopes marched against the City where my Father continued his Court guarded with Souldiers sufficient to have besieged Artaxis whole Armie if their hearts and affections had been answerable to their number and accommodation And in this posture the Generall not onely sets upon the wall the Garrison not expecting the boldnesse of the attempt but in a short time became master both of the Gates and Streets to the confused amazement of all the Inhabitants who seemed neither to have will nor power to resist so that the strange news scarce giving conveniencie and time to my Father with his whole Family to flye from the danger he had not opportunity to draw his Sword in the defence of himselfe and Crowne but through private and obscure Woods was constrained to convey his Wife and Children untill he arrived under the protection of a Common-weale that at the beginning of the designe had lent a willing and considerable aide to the action Artaxis hearing of this extraordinary successe not onely beyond his expectation but in a manner above all belief caused publick Sacrifices to be made to the Gods through the chiefe Temples that he might not seeme in the peoples apprehensions to be ungratefull for such large benefits and to increase the more his Subjects opinions that the very heavens intended to fight for his Right since he made Religion the chiefe cause of the Warre he gave it out the Victory was no lesse then miraculous since his Generall as 't was said had bin instructed in the assault by a divine Revelation which had made him venture upon so desperate an enterprise but however the King was thought by many over superstitious yet the Generall and Tygranes omitted no industry to render our House miserable the first continuing in those parts after the battle with halfe the Army to suppresse the last sparkles of common Rebellion as the other led the rest into Iberia my Fathers Countrey to make himselfe Master of that Territory bestowed upon him by Artaxis
or any consideration at all had of my person and the rather may I expect this justice I speak of and am about to demand of Orsames or his Favourite for that the disgrace will reflect upon the whole Nation of Syria who wil appeare to the world either unwilling or not able to assist me in my necessities it being a certaine kind of morall if not religious duty practized amongst the meanest families much more is it to be expected from the dignity of Kings and Princes that should be inflamed with the least suspition or jealousie of dishonour Madam replied Candalus however I might alledge from the nature and proceedings of Philostros other pernicious maximes of State policy used in the communication and comportment of Princes in their governments as for example that it is better to hazzard if not sacrifice a daughter of the royall house then any way to lose or endanger the least good to the Kingdome Yet I shall desire you to believe what I have spoke in this discourse are but the arguments of Statesmen or rather you may interpret them my own fancies the better to settle your thoughts against unexpected accidents so that I should think my wishes very fortunat if your perswasion can prevaile with your brothers goodnesse without the knowledge of his great Favourite whereby it might procure you assistance as my selfe freedome to returne into Syria againe to enjoy the conversation of my friends or at least wise some allowance out of my owne estate notwithstanding I am prepared as you see to be contented with my present fortune By this time the Princesse Cloria and the rest of the company were come out of the Garden from taking those pleasures which the beauty of the place afforded who prettily pressing to give her Mother an accompt of those rarities she had seene absolutely put off the other serious discourses for that every one was most willing to be so imployed untill Mantuina with an humble salutation informed her Father that the Queenes Supper in another Roome attended her pleasure which being accomodated rather with exquisite neatnesse then magnificent plenty increased the opinion of that happy course of life appearing free from ambition though wanting no content that might satisfie temperance however not fulfill pride But the circumstance of the feast being past every one retiring to their rest Eumenes would needs accompanie Cassia towards his Lodgings that were in a Village not farre off Cassia was more willing to condiscend to his friends trouble because he was desirous to heare something from him of his owne departure from Lydia and of the successe of that Ambassadour which Euarchus had sent into Armenia to treat about the restoration of his Country of Iberia yet the night being too farre spent to make any long relations without some suspition of their former acquaintance they resolved both the next morning to meet in the Forrest under the tree where the day before they found one another as the most convenient place of communication and consultation Cassia was the first that appeared as it should seeme most passionate in his desires but Eumâ—nes not being also over slothfull not long after gave him the meeting where both seating themselves upon an old root which by nature was ordained fit for the conference since it afforded them the conveniencie Eumenes began to discover unto him these particulars however with a conjuration first not to be moved with the relation after said he that you had taken your flight from the Court of Lydia for so I must call it rather then a departure since your friends were not worthy to be of your Councell the Ambassadour which Euarchus had sent into Armenia to treate about the redelivery of your Countrey of Iberia not onely returned but brought with him a conditionall restoration of your right which was that certain monies should be paid to Tygranus Duke of Colchis and you to promise a firme obedience to the Crowne of Armenia But Damogoras fearing that this seeming accord would prejudice the hopes of his imployment began exceedingly to muâ—iny against the propositions as dishonourable since you were not to be established with all freedome withall alleadging it were more justice in Euarchus to bestow his daughter upon you being of her own blood and religion then upon Osirus who was alwayes known to be an enemy to the worship of the Gods according to the rules of Lydia as also to the State and prosperity of the Kingdome it selfe which makes me beleeve now I think upon it that you thought him more worthy them my self to be made acquainted with your private love who else certainly could not have been inspired with those apprehensions At which Cassianus began to blush but Eumenes not willing to breake off his relation by any diversion told him that his intention was onely to informe him that he might know hereafter the better how to prosecute his affaires and not to obraide him whereby to put him into confusions so then followed on his discourse neither did Damogoras said he make use of his owne tongue onely to blast the justice of the Kings intentions but combined also with many Mysians about the Court to reprove Euarchus manner of Government besides they alleadged that the Queene spent more in Maskes and Dancings then would maintaine a royall Armie by force of armes to recover your lost right And for Anaxia they made the people beleeve that by giving her noble entertainment in Lydia the Kingdom was not only exposed to the unrelenting spleen of Philostros Orsames great Favorite but to be feared that horrid troubles would quickly fall upon the whole Country since her person ever brought mischiefe and misfortune wheresoever it went with these exclamations in a short space they chased the poore Queen out of Lydia againe to seeke an uncertain fortune who onely desired a resting place for her aged body to spend the rest of her yeares in peace and securitie but the Gods it should seem willing to put an end to her miseries have since taken her out of the world to the example of all greatnesse and humane glory scarce leaving her sufficient to provide for her decent funeralls however Damogoras with the rest of his factious companions seemed not yet satisfied but continued still their turbulent practises so that now they have not onely pluckt from Euarchus imperiall Diadem the chiefe Flowers that adorne it which is regall authority but have by their violent proceedings also driven out of the Kingdome Hyacinthia their Queene either with intention the more to please the powerfull Favorite or to prevent her from assisting the King by her Councells to defend his Kingly authority This Cassianus is the occasion of oâ—r present journey into Syria whereby if it be possible to obtaine some succours from Orsames power to quallifie these threatning disorders that promise little lesse then the ruine of the prosperity of Lydia whilst you in the mean time seeme to put on a resolution to
beare the strong assaults of powerfull love within a short time began to loose the beautie of his cheeks and not long after fell into a most dangerous sicknesse so that the Duke not knowing the secret cause of the violent distempers of his sweet Sonne with griefe and diligence assembled the best Physitians of those parts however all their knowledges were not of sufficient force either to know the nature of his disease or to cure his violent maladie which put the whole Court into an extreame perplexity as himselfe into a desperate sadnesse the rather for that melancholy sighes were the onely expressions which were used by love-sick Narcissus untill one day the Princesse Cloria coming into the Chamber with the Queen her Mother charitably to visit her almost dead though unknowne Lover and standing by his bed-side with teares also in her eyes the Assembly quickly found not onely an apparent change in his countenance but the Doctors felt a violent alteration in his pulse which gave occasion of some discourse at the present but of more enquirie afterward of the reason Wherefore when the Queen with her fair Daughter were departed and the rest of the company severed from their attendants the Duke by the advise of some of the Physitians began to fall upon a strict examination of his Sonne and so farre prest him to the discovery of his inward thoughts that at last the youth not being able to shew much disobedience to his Father though his bashfull love a long time contended against his duty revealed not only the true cause of his passion but the subject of his distempers This gave the Dukes despaires some satisfaction in that at least he conceived he had got a knowledge whereby his Sonne might dome to be recovered though the remedie required to be applyed with as much expedition as the disease seemed desperate in operation Wherefore after he had comforted the Boy with as many hopes as possibly he could the better to keepe up his courage and so consequently to procure ease in his paine that he might have the more force to resist the violence of his desire as well as the likelier to dispose him for the cure hee retired himselfe into his owne Chamber there to consider with lesse interruption what course was to be taken for the purpose he intended which was to save his Sonnes life in whom consisted all his felicity since he had only besides one daughter the faire Eretheria who was not capable by reason of her Sex to succeed to his honour and command in the Island of Cyprus First he laid before his consideration the seeming impossibility of his Sons recoverie without the assurance of Cloria's affections since the Physitians informed him that the nature of love was of too violent a qualitie to suffer any medicine to operate with effect in 〈◊〉 sick patient unlesse that passion were either qualifi'd or satisfi'd Next he knew that was not to be obtained unlesse the Princess her selfe became the artist which seemed to be a worke of no small difficultie These difficulties continued the Dukes thoughts in a perplexed labyrinth sometimes considering his owne disabilities to pretend to so high a match since he was rather esteemed a Subject and Servant to the State of Cyprus then an absolute Prince indeed in his power and command however of the other side againe he reflected upon his owne worth and upon the opinion the world had of his valour and riches but that was scarce held competent in his imagination when he considered the attempt he was to make was not onely upon the primest beauty of all Asia but he was to contend with the honour and glory of Syria and Lydia who claimed an interest both in her bloud and quality Yet seeing for the present his assistance was necessary for the Queenes affaires he resolved to make the demand especially for that without it his son was sure to perish which to his happinesse was a perpetuall night with this determination he went instantly to the Queene Hyacinthia carrying with him a Souldiers heart but a Suppliants countenance After he had performed his accustomed salutations and enterteined her with some ordinary discourses giving her a short account also of his Sons indisposition being seated together by the Queenes importunity in a chaire he began his more serious proposition after this manner Madam said he as I come not now altogether to pay those due Ceremonies which appertaine to the dignity of your Majesty so I must humbly intreat your goodnesse to excuse the necessity of my errand since it is the violence of a youthfull affection onely that occasions it to my griefe as to your trouble be pleased then to know that being earnestly inquisitive to understand my Sons disease whose desperate condition requires present assistance or brings speedy death I used not onely the Art of the best Physitians of these parts but imployed my whole Authority to examine his inward thoughts finding by some signes that much of his sicknesse proceeded from hidden discontents since the variablenesse of his passions returned and abated according to accidents which not to detaine you too long in a needlesse expectation of what I would discover and after that intreate is no other then that Narcissus is in love with your faire daughter the Prince Cloria whom as I feare he must either enjoy as his right or perpetually loose his other joyes in this world for that as I am informed there is no meane between possessing that admirable beauty or marrying himself to the deformity of a darke Sepulcher wherefore as I cannot challenge so great an honour out of any hope of my own merit so of the other side give me leave to professe that all my fortunes power and endeavours shall be alwayes faithfully imployed in the Service of your selfe and husband against the injuries of your disobedient Subjects The Queene after shee had heard this strange and unexpected discourse of the Duke did not of the sudden well know what to answer of the one side considering the high consequence of his request as of the other the great need shee might have of his helpe besides the present entertainment shee received in his Country with the desperate condition of his onely Son fallen into the accidentall misfortune by her owne personall arrivall in the Island of Cyprus but having a pretty while pawsed upon a reply not to be too rash in uttering that which past shee could not well recall at last shee returned him this answer with a countenance that expressed feare doubt and affection My Lord said shee as the noble courtesies which you have been pleased to cast upon me in my necessities with that humane consideration that all the world ought to have of the deservings of your sweet Son must needs stirre up such a gratefull pitty in my soule that I shall endeavour all wayes possible to render you totally satisfied so of the other side I must befeech you without partiality to consider
variety of choice fruits she presented them as a token of her service and gratitude to the faire Princesse beseeching her she would be pleased to accept of such dainties as the place of her fathers habitation did afford that however as she said might be enriched by her taste to prove of a greater value then they seemed then retiring again with so becomming a modesty that the court breeding in the comely maid appeared onely to have put on a countrey attire which made them wonder at her behaviour with an extraordinary delight But the latenesse of the evening gave Roxana warning to solicite Cloria to retire least the falling of the dew might either injure her health or prejudice her complexion which for the present afforded onely conveniency of discourse in the way though the Princesse afterward was never well but when she had the maid in her company And this in time so increased her affection that she made her in a manner her onely play-fellow scarce delighting in any conversation but in young Amintas whose countenance and actions put on such a grave sadnesse and respective diligence that as of one side she seemed only desirous to please her mistresse so of the other she appeared too serious for the worlds conversation but the Princess finding by Amintas frequent sighs that something more then a naturall sadnesse or a dutifull respect possessed her thoughts she not onely oftentimes enquired of the cause of her griefe but narrowly look'd into the demeanour of her Governesse whose severity she might feare had procured some discontent in her gentle bosome Yet being not able to extort from the maid her selfe any confession and also Roxana assuring her that no hard usage of hers caused her melancholy Cloria one day resolved to try her uttermost skill whereby to be informed of the the secret mysterie of Amintas sad expressions and the rather for that her complexion seemed something to suffer in the concealment or at leastwise so interpreted by her thoughts Wherefore one day she commanding her to attend her person into a certain walke neere the house where she was accustomed often to take her recreation it being a place defended from the heat of the Sunne and the violence of the windes by the naturall scituation of a pleasant grove of trees the Princess being there arrived seated her selfe upon a little rising bank which art appeared to have raised for such a purpose whilst in the mean time Aminta stood by her in respective attendance But Cloria rather aiming at the execution of her intention then the reverence of her servant according to her usuall custome when no body was present commanded her to those familiarities she was most delighted withall which was to sit down by her since youth is better pleased with freedome in conversation then state reservednesse in actions When she had thus placed her selfe the Princess without many circumstances in words for that her passion to be resolved as it should seem was too violent to be delayed conjured her by her own duty and that love she bore her which if she proved over obstinate as she said might be lost to discover unto her the cause of her sadnesse or griefe which her frequent sighes sufficiently exprest to be engrafted in her soule proceeding from some hidden reason not yet revealed Aminta by the Princes importunity whose love and severity seemed prettily woven together after a few teares mixt with many pauses and two or three deep sighs as if her tongue were afraid to become a traytor to her heart in the discovery uttered these words Most faire Princess said she let the Gods be onely blamed if I am compelled to say it is no other then your selfe that causeth my smart Cloria finding an answer so much against her expectation and much more intention could not chuse but look her full in the face though with a kind of silent reproofe as if she rather yet excused her own ignorance then accused Aminta's suspition but the maid redoubling her words like a fierce tyrant with multitude of blows when he had his enemy at his mercy Nay said she you have cruelly as I feare conspired my life and which is worse no physick can be applied to my wounded soule but what remedies your selfe shall bring like the Scorpion that onely heales what hurt his sting procured Cloria being amazed at these expressions Aminta after some pause again uttered this language know dear Cloria that Narcissus cannot live without the conversation of his admired and beloved Mistresse which onely hath caused this strange metamorphosis before your eyes to be turned to a more deadly forme if you cruelly deny the grace that I humbly require By this Rhetorick the Princesse was sufficiently informed of her patient however for some time she rested silent untill at last she desired to know how he could excuse his absence to his father Narcissus quickly answered that pretending a journey into Syria to be better instructed in the fashions and customes of that Court he had procured leave to travell for some while though he intended to make no farther a voyage then to her beautious selfe in which schoole all excellency and content as he said was to be perfectly learned then held his peace with such a begging look that Cloria had scarce power to contradict untill with teares in her faire eyes she after some small silence used these words Deare Narcissus said she for so I must call you in that you have endeavoured to merit that name at my hands though I cannot but reprove the over holdnesse of your atempt since thereby it should seem you have mis-interpreted all my favours having so little respect to my honour as that you have borrowed this false disguise to satisfie your pretended passion which the world will neither excuse in you nor allow in me if it be once known how you were secretly entertained by my allowance in the habit of a Countrey-maid yet to let you see how charitable I am notwithstanding your transgression I freely forgive the fault past so you will now repent and make satisfaction in your returning speedily againe from whence you came not giving me further occasion to be jealous of my never yet suspected modesty this being said she ended with such a looke as shewed plainly she spake against the desires of her own heart But Narcissus who could put no lesse a difference between his admittance and deniall then a most unkind and cruell banishment told her that if she had a will to destroy him she might enjoyn that penance since he was resolved to abstaine from all naturall food unlesse hee should be fed in her presence by the sight of her perfections and with that cast down his eyes with so sorrowfull a look upon the ground as if he sought nothing but a grave since he could not enjoy the life of her conversation Cloria after she had attentively beheld him and then look'd up at the heavens as if from thence
their watch by reason the place is not at all suspected Besides I have noted so much neglect of that part of the Fort that either it appeares Osirus wants Souldiers for the strong defence of the whole Town or he conceives the Castle is inpregnable of that side of Nilus Now all the feare is least the boy himselfe prove a traytor to the designe which however can but ruine my selfe and leave you in no worse estate then you are a sacrisice I shall be alwaies content to offer to render you the probability of so acceptable a service but if there cannot be found those courages in the Camp that will undergoe the danger of the attempt the Dwarfe may have a further Commission to passe into Cyprus to the Queen your mother to inform her of all the passages by which information she may use some means to protract her consent to the marriage or at least wise prevent Osiris messengers returne by causing him to be taken prisoner before hee can get to the sea-side No sooner had Roxana laid open this stratagem but Cloria as if it had been already finished profest her Governesse the onely instrument of her happinesse so far doth humane desire goe beyond all judgement governed by reason though the politick old woman notwithstanding she was willing to keep up her mistresses hopes at the highest pitch saw there were many difficulties and hazzards to passe before they could arrive at the period of their wishes not onely by reason of divers accidents that might happen to the childish messenger that was to be imployed in so dangerous a businesse but for that Osirus over-heated with his love might not continue constant to his promises and by that means easily destroy all that they had designed however Roxana omitted no opportunity for some daies to instruct the Dwarfe in the part he was to act untill her paines after a weeks space had in the dead of the night delivered him free from the Castle watch and in the morning came to give Cloria an account of her proceeding This enterprize so farre pleased the Princesse in the already successe that whilst she was dressing her selfe being in a manner free from all care and perturbation by reason of the confidence she had of the project that she desired her Governesse if she knew the story to make her acquainted with the first occasion of this warre between her uncle Orsame and Sorastros King of Aegypt since as she said the spleen seemed to be irreconcileable Truly Madam answered Roxana as the chiefe reason is ambition the most powerfull provoker of great Monarchs to enmity notwithstanding the force of any alliance or religion yet the pretext to satisfie the world is related after this manner There is said she a certain Dukedome not farre off the confines of Syria whose defects of quantity is abundantly supplied by the fertility of the soyle which besides the scituation of the Countrey lying commodiously to both their Dominions hath rendred it a subject of covertousnesse to each Prince however in my opinion your uncle had the better pretence for the quarrell for the Dukâ— of the Territory dying without heires males 〈◊〉 body the King of Armenia by the provocaâ—â—â— of Sorastros claimed the forfeiture of the Country â—as an escheate belonging to his kingdome and of the other side Orsames stood for the title of one of his own subjects who certainly had the just right in 〈◊〉 Principality though not condescended unto 〈◊〉 the other party which at last procured the raising of powerfull armies of both sides but before they could come conveniently to encounter one with another it was necessary they should passe Arabia a Countrey not onely mountainous but belonging to a Prince that as hee was neere of kin to Sorastros by former alliance so was he for the present married to a sister of Orsame which made him have a hard part to play desiring to keep an equall ballance between both these contentions untill the gods at one time took away both his care and life but his widdow quickly put his children under the protection of Orsames her brother by which means his pretention became much more fortified in so much as Sorastros had no other way to countervaile that interest but to cause the two uncles of the young Prince to lay claim to the Dominion as pretending the child not to be legitimate this imagined Title quickly made a division of all the Nobility of the Countrey some taking part with the brothers others with the young Duke whilst in the mean time both Orsames and Sorastros put in for their own interest the one pretending a jurisdiction in the Country in the childrens right as the other sought to strengthen the uncles titles which contention made the poore subjects become miserable since they were forced to sustaine the charge of the ambitious Armies and Arabia being made the Theater of the warre the walled Towns were the onely receptacles of provisions and protection for the inhabitants which appeared to be more lasting for that the victories seemed to goe by turns a long time till at last the Aegyptian forces prevailing the Princesse with the young Duke was constrained for want of timely assistance from her brother being basied in other affaires to seek refuge in one of the strongest and best fortified Cities of the Countrey where being not onely besieged but violently assaulied by the adverse party she had a taske hard enough to escape by an obseure flight in the night whilst in the interim the Town was yielded into the hands of her brothers in Law though the Castle still kept possession for the lawfull Prince the enemy by this successe appeared in a manner quite possessors of the whole Countrey untill Orsames Generall lying with his Army upon the confines of Syria necessarily to repaire the decay of his forces hearing of the prevailing progresse of the Nobility conceived it more then time to stop this overflowing current unlesse he would suffer not onely the Duke to be dis-inherited by the practices of his uncles but his master to be dishonoured by the power of the Aegyptians wherefore as desperate diseases are to be cured by extraordinary physick not so much as staying for the necessary recruit of his Army marched with a haste answerable to the greatnesse of the designe which was again to recover the lost Town that seemed principally to command the whole Country or bury himselfe and all his souldiers before those walls hee should not be able to enter At his arrivall he not onely set upon those Troops that were placed to stop his passage but gave them an intire defeat though their numbers farre exceeded those he conducted that also were accompanied with the disadvantage of being wearied in their journey having nothing but their own invincible courages to supply the defect But however this admirable esteemed victory both possessed the brave Generall of the Town and reduced many of the revolted Nobility to their lawfull obedience
yet the sparcles of so great a disunion were impossible to be buried in the Cinders of a quiet peace especially since the Aegyptian neighbouring Countries were alwaies capable to kindle new flames without some agreement by consent so that it was designed to use all means could be devised to render the uncles contented whereby the Prince might the better be secured and established in his rightfull inheritance and the Country freed from the feare of any more civill warre in prosecution of which the one was bought with rich gifts to become Orsames Generall in those warres he intended against Sorastros by reason of these occasions and the other was married to the Dukes sister his own Neece the likelier to continue his friendship between him and his sister in Law and make the party stronger for Orsames intentions which was to revenge the injuries that he conceived the Aegyptians intended against his sisters honour and his nephews right This Madam said Roxana hath been the beginning of the quarrels between these two mighty Monarchs that both have and is likely still to disturbe the tranquillity of the most part of Asia of which now the Country of Lydia your fathers Kingdome begins also to beare a large share since it is not to be doubted but Philostros set afoot the troubles there because the King would not joyn in an absolute league with Syria but scarce had she come to this point when she was informed that Osirus was neere at hand to visit the Princesse which gave them no more time then was necessary to prepare for his unwelcome company and so consequently broke off for the present their discourse Osirus that began to esteem himselfe in a manner Lord of his desires having his Mistris affections as he believed under his command as he had her person in his custody nothing being now between the fraition and his hopes but a few ceremonions approbatious of her parents entred the roome not like a fearfull Lover or a modest suiter but already a married husband taking presently Cloria in his armes whilst he prophaned as she imagined the chaste temple of herlips with three or foure impure kisses that left them after a while to blush for the attempt however he presently turned to Roxana and told her that when the Nuptials were past he would study some convenient preferment for her age either by a rich husband to keep her sides warm or an honourable jurisdiction to exercise her experience not knowing how little faithfull she had been and intended to be to his purposes notwithstanding she hambly thanked him for his gracious favour after this he began to fall into a large commendation of all his vertues but especially of his admirable valour that never refused any danger as he said how great and common sovever in the warres or otherwise though the dignity of his person was a sufficient priviledge as he said against such attempts But during the time that he was using these brags which gave poore Cloria a sufficient surfeit he was informed that a Herald attended in the Gallery with a Letter from the Campe. Osirus believing that it was some offered treaty of composition from Orsames hearing of the determination of his father to raise the siege instantly commanded the messenger to be brought into his presence that his mistris might be witnesse of his glory after he had received and opened the Letter he read it aloud that the whole company might be satisfied in the contents scorning to conceale what resolution soever of the enemy however contrary to his expectation the writing spake this Language Osirus I am to let you know that your Messenger whom you intended to send into Cyprus is surprized by our Army whereby the love you offer to the faire Princesse Cloria is discovered with your designe to demand her in marriage of her mother the Queen Hyacinthia which is a request neither in her power to grant nor for your honour to desire since I pretend a former promise of her affection not to be released by any power unlesse she her selfe doe unworthily fly from the contract an act I can never believe untill I see it under-written by that white hand that I suppose will not be consenting to so black a deed in the mean time I must think it either a project of your own foolish presumption or a constraint proceeding from the wicked tyranny of her imprisonment that gives you boldnesse to make so unjust a demand Wherefore if you have any remnants left of that Noble blood which belongs to your house a prerogative you so much boast of shew it either in leaving off so preposterous a suit and set the Lady free from her captivity whereby she may become absolute Mistris of her choyce or else prepare your selfe with courage to give me the meeting in a single combate to dispute the Title else I must let you know that as I am the white Knight which disarmed you in the head of your Troops so must I from hence forward proclaime you to be a cowardly Traytor to love valour and vertue and so consequently not onely unworthy of your pretentions to be husband to such a wife but of any other match how low soever can be propounded although you beare the name of a Prince unto which I subscribe my name NARCISSUS After that Osirus had read the Letter and for some time considered the contents thereof with a disdainfull smile he told the Messenger that as he pardoned his rashnesse for bringing such peremptory lines to be presented to a Majesty not to be discerned by so poore a sight as his own so he commanded him to let the boy know not onely his owne contempt of his person but that the Princesse Cloria who was a wife rather fit for the gods then for a child of so mean condition disdained the very mentioning of his love wherein he thought he much obliged her with a complement And for the combate if the greatest Monarch of the world had sent him a challenge as he said he must therein have followed the direction of his Councell much lesse endeavor to give satisfaction to such preposterous lines After the messenger was discharged Osirus went out of the room as if his choler had got the absolute prerogative over his brags whilst in the mean time Cloria and her Governesse had sport enough to laugh at his folly as well as to be joyfull at the neighbourhood of Narcissus which gave them sufficient imployment and delight all the day following However the next morning to their no small amazement they were called up to the leads of the Castle to behold a great distraction in Orsame Army before the Town wherein appeared an extraordinary slaughter upon what ground they could not possibly imagine unlesse it were some accidentall and unfortunate mutiny amongst themselves which notwithstanding so much troubled them both that they soon retired with the undelightfulnesse of the prospect into their own lodgings to attend the
had formerly done a hunting to Narcissus although the noyse of the people below upon the bankes of the river seemed not very well to comply with his intentions Madam said he you may here behold in part the infinite glory and happinesse of the King your great Uncle in his owne proper Spheare the rich City of Damascus but presently finding shee could not perfectly understand what he said by reason of the cryes and shouts of the multitude thongh he perceived an inclination in her courteous disposition to harken to the matter of his discourse as well as the sound of his word drew her by little and little from the window untill they were both retired to such a distance that they had free liberty to understand what each other would deliver which made him begin againe in this manner Truly said he since these magnificencies now beheld are no better then meere shadowes to what brightnesses Orsames enjoyes in his owne Countrey of which you have already a large share by birth being sprang from that flourishing tree of that Illustrious and Royall house of Syria and ought to have more in my opinion by possession in regard of those rare perfections which both art and nature have so liberally bestowed upon your selfe to the wound of your Sexe I cannot be but something amazed if not scandalized how your thoughts can carry you into any othrr region especially having such conveniencies before you had tasted of those excellencies in Syria that may not againe be so well understood and apprehended as by such curious fancies as yours that are able even to adde a new life both to them and to every thing else you see and heare I must tell you most admirable Princesse that the Nobility of Syria in their owne proper Elements appeare rather like so many soveraigne Lords themselves crowned with honour and respect then Subjects to any mortall King whatsoever by reason of their commands and dependencies not any way to be equalled or made lesse by what power soever continuing in Orsames favour but as their owne retirements sometimes give them appetites for private recreations wherby they become familiar and solitary Alasse dear Madam said he did you but behold the glorious Pallaces of Damascus with other rich buildings of lesser note onely appointed to be the habitations of Merchants you would thinke this great esteemed City so much extoll'd by the boasting Aegyptians to be but an unfurnished village in regard of its magnificence and splendor and for the Island of Cyprus whither you are how going which I must confesse I admire since the Queene your Mother by your attraction would suddenly be enduced to visit Syria ought to be esteemed in your view and apprehension a poore and contemptible part of the world onely ordained to breed up a few petty persons of no honour and birth as common drudges through the world whereby to maintaine the better trade and commerce for the benefit of our people which country notwithstanding without Syrias immediate assistance can neither defend it selfe in time of Warre or preserve it selfe in time of Peace To this greatnesse and prosperity of the Syrian State as I will not say my Uncle Philostros gives our flourishing fields greenesse or causeth the earth in due season to produce bountifully to the inhabitants yet I may boldly affirme that his faithfull policy hath rendred Orsames great and mighty and so consequently his Subjects happy and fortunate other people being over runne-by their enemies whilst we make Warre in all Countries to our advantage though but in part demonstrated by this City not onely as you see made subject by strong hand to our power but in the inhabitants being perswaded upon the matter in a moment willingly to obey our lawes and jurisdictions as the great acclamations of joy now offered to Orsames prosperity in the present feast of cutting the bankes of the River doth witnesse by Syria I say you shall be honoured as a goddesse and in Cyprus you cannot be maintained as a Princess in the one your worth will be lost for want of knowledge when as the other shall give you more valewed in regard there are beauties also worthy of esteeme the rich Pallace of Orsames can afford you a habitation fit for your Dignity when all Cyprus shall scarce grant you convenient entertainement with these words taking her fair hand as the last period of his discourse he bestowed as many Syrian complements upon the subject as would have created it an Idol if Cloria had beene any way indulgently superstitious in her owne concernment But as the sweet Princesse tooke these glorious expressions of Philos not being any whit suspitious of his inward intentions as meere gallant courtships whereby to furnish out the rest of his entertainments though shee could not but have reason as shee thought to smile at his vanity so of the other side hearing as shee imagined rather blasphemies then disgracefull speeches uttered not onely against that Countrey shee had already partly resolved to make her owne but as it were in disparagement of the honour of that Noble family from whence her deare Narcissus was extracted which shee knew yielded to none in Asia either for personall worth or antiquity in descent could scarce forbeare the returning him a most sharpe reply however againe considering the pretentions of his magnificent entertainment to be as it were wholly consecrated for her satisfaction shee let his words passe at the present either aâ— high flowne expressions proceeding from his passionate youth whereby himselfe might become the better esteemed or from some customary discourse or volubility of tongue incident to the nature of his countrey men yet would not abstaine from telling him though in a kind of a jeering way that as her owne small experience in the glory and bounty of many places in the world bestowed upon them by the gods favour or natures partiality was not of a knowing confidence sufficient to judge of their valours which made her really in her own thoughts satisfactory contented with what shee hath already seene in some States and was in part borne unto in her fathers Kingdome so should shee ever hold it but a fitting obligation belonging to her duty first by her personall presence in the Island of Cyprus to enquire after her mothers pleasure and then to be absolutely directed by her will either to waite upon her into Syria or to any other region where shee should command which also was delivered with sâ—ch a kind of vermillion blush as very well demonstrated that rather anger then bashfulnesse exacted from her that beautifull Tincture Philos scarce expected from her reply such an answer yet putting on in his countenance a certaine confident smile made up betweene displeasure and the opinion he might have of the Princesse want of experience and breeding to deale with him in discourse continuing still notwithstanding his intention to mixe some flattery with his words he quickly made her this returne O Madam said
haven town of Pergame whose governour at present was a great Noble man of the Countrey named Dedalus that notwithstanding the Island was divided into many factions by reason of the differences between Euarchus King of Lydia and his Senate had kept that City wholy for the Kings interest this newes you may be sure had put the Princesse Cloria in such an extasie of joy as would have created an entire felicity in her thoughts if she had not in the interim called again to her remembrance her separation from Narcissus but the company rather flattering her opinion then assuring their own thoughts that undoubtedly he was past all hazzard being in so good a ship she was quickly perswaded to goe to Pergame resolving there to remaine not onely whilst she heard some newes of Narcissus but during a necessary conveniency might also be had for the repairing of her own ship being as they told her absolutely uncapable before she was mended to make any other voyage whatsoever she condescending to this counsell and advice some of the fishermen were quickly hired with store of money to be their guides and conducters to Pergame so that presently tying a strong Cable to the great vessell and setting many Rowers in one of the biggest shallops belonging to the Fishermen they haled her along the seas towards the Haven as it were in a kind of pleasant Triumph which they might the more commodiously doe for that now the wind being in a manner wholly allayed they seemed to enjoy upon the water a sufficient calm for their purpose But notwithstanding this commodity it was almost the whole day before they could draw their ship neere a point of land that bordered upon the haven so that Cloria was forced for one night to take up her lodging in a poore cottage however this gave her thoughts more satisfaction then the stately vessell belonging to the kingdome of Syria had her body in the storme When the day came as it was determined to continue their resolutions for the City of Pergame so was it held convenient before the Princesse approach to give notice to the Governour of her accidentall arrivall within the dominion of his jurisdiction This was quickly put in execution by sending a messenger before whilst they themselves within two houres space were set a shore upon a promontory not many furlongs from the Town The sweet Princesse walked upon a green walke pleasantly set with Trees when Dedalus the governour of Pergame accompanied by many Gentlemen of the Countrey and attended by one Troop of horse presented himselfe before her not onely to give her reception into his territories but to undertake in the King her fathers behalfe he being as he said his Deputy all the entertainment that poor kingâ—â—â—â—â— being lately much beaten with warre could afford You may be sure Cloria was not backward to give him thanks assuring him of her kind acknowledgement of his endeavours This conducted her to her company quickly for the time was not proper for much complements to take possession of a brave though ancient Castle seated upon a little rising at the further end of the Town whilst the inhabitants in the interim being placed in order of each side the streets gave the Princesse a joyfull welcome into that City which her father as they said had never visited so being at last brought into her chamber with other ceremonies it was not long before she went to bed as well to rest her mind as her body however she first desired the Governour to send out some small ship of his own then lying ready furnished in the Haven to hearken out some tydings concerning the other vessell of Syria But however thus by the goodnesse of the gods the sweet Princess had in a manner miraculously escaped the danger of the seas that seemed in some sort even ambitious of her ruine coveting perhaps to have entombed so dainty a body within their uncouth intrals yet could she not so soon shake off the malevolent effects of those distempers that had discomposed her during the tempest which however they put her not in any danger of life yet they did not onely keep her from being visited by any whatsoever but for the most part continued her in her privatest chamber for a long time where onely Roxana and some few servants more attended upon her person This gave the opportunity one day to Roxana her Lady being asleepe to enquire of Dedalus concerning the affaires of the Island since as shee said there could not chuse but be many things worth the knowing in regard of Euarchus contention with the Senate belonging to the jurisdiction thereof Truely Madam said he as the passages have been lately many and strange in this most unhappy Island of Creete so to give you the better scantling of the businesses that from time to time have hapned I must in some sort begin with the originall when the Countrey first became under the Lydian power and jurisdiction And to this purpose therefore you must know that after the generation of the gods had totally left Creete to a certain kind of wild barbarisme not onely in the manners of the people but in the rudenesse of the soyle for want of being industriously manured some of the ancient Kings of Lydia conceiving that the Island lay convenient for the jurisdiction of their own Crown both by reason of the naturall fertility of the ground as in regard of the safety of the Harbours began to create some ambition in their thoughts to be Lords of it yet knowing they could have no Title to the Countrey in their own right but what the lawes of the sword might violently if not injuriously afford them made earnest solicitation to the great Arch-Flammin of Delphos that in respect of the degenerating of the people from all religious maxims with the practice of other inhumane customes pretended to fall upon it for want of order and government he would be pleased under the sacred banner of his holy protection and power to grant them the principality and jurisdiction of the Island upon the condition neverthelesse that they should still be obliged to observe those rights in their sacrifices to the gods as were onely used in the Temple of Delphos with these Titles and pretences many of those Princes taking alwaies advantage of the inhabitants factions and disagreement amongst themselves sent severall Armies either by force or policy or both to conquer the Countrey which to be short within some few yeeres was totally effected notwithstanding now and then many contradictions and disturbances hapned proceeding rather from the inconstant natures of the people then that they had any great cause to complaine of their subjection to the Lydian Lawes and government This gives me occasion a little to digresse from the matter of the story with some explanation of the disposition of the ancient Natives which in part perhaps hath caused so many changes and revolutions in our Island T is true they have
permit them to equall other Nations in painfull endeavour rather chusing in their natures to be wanderers then become willing to submit their persons under the jurisdiction of better customes But be it what it will in this condition they remained without any power at all to act untill the beginning of these differences between our King Euarchus and his great Senate when the people not having altogether forgot their old hate to the Lydians and now finding some opportunity to expresse it began anew to flie out however the particular causes were these When the Myssians first proclaimed their dislike by leading Armies to oppose Kingly authority in their own Nation one Polinex once governour of this Island though since destroyed for his service prepared a company of expert souldiers to be imployed against the Myssians as esteeming them most proper to the purpose in regard of their hate to those people but not to detaine you over long by needlesse repetitions and circumstances of things which are onely conjecturall After that our King Euarchus in a manner had committed the mannagement of affaires into the hands of his great Senate of Lydia it was not held either needfull by way of opposition or convenient by reason of the expence to continue afoot those souldiers that had been leavied and provided by Polinex in this Island of Creete wherefore orders were presently sent to disband the Troops but in some sort neverthelesse to give them satisfaction lest they might prove dangerous and troublesome to the government they gave them what liberty they pleased to contract with other Princes for their future entertainment in some forraigne warres However the Myssians when they perceived the souldiers were thus by bargain to be transported either fearing their returne in a body to their prejudice or rather I may say envying all felicity of theirs made earnest suit to the Senate of Lydia with whom then they held a most intimate correspondency not to suffer them to goe out of the Kingdome As these perswasions prevailed before the consideration of the contract made for their transportation so the people of this Island being not onely inflamed with these injurious proceedings as they esteemed them but also fearing an utter extirpation of the whole Nation by reason of the malice and practices of the Myssians of a sudden having entred before into many consultations amongst themselves began as well to make use of those armes they were already provided of as to seize into their hands many strong Townes in the Countrey however in the interim they set forth many Proclamations in their own defence which in effect were to this purpose that in regard the King himselfe had in a manner lost all his owne prerogative whereby he was formerly impowred to govern they in their own behalfes now were necessitated to take up armes for their preservation both against Myssia the Kingdom of Lydia that sought not onely the abolishing of their Religion but an extirpation of their persons but however these pretentions were plausible enough and perhaps no otherwise meant by them at the first yet the outragious violence committed of both sides soon drew many Commanders of Greete from other parts who instead of contributing their endeavours in making onely a defensive war they violently perswaded the people to stand upon their own pretended priviledges before the conquest as having either Kings of their proper Nation or at leastwise no strangers to command over them whilst they themselves also began to challenge old Dignities Titles with the possession of most of the Lands in the Countrey that for many yeeres had belonged to other persons and families that perhaps had bought them to them and their heires at most valuable and considerable rates This in a very short space set the whole Island in such a burning and outragious flame that slaughters of such execrable natures were committed to the very horrour as I may say of mankind both my selfe and some other Noblemen of the Countrey were forced to take up armes not onely for the defence of our persons and estates but to bring the people of both sides to a better temper wherin for my own part as I used what moderation I could in executions upon my conntrey-men at what time so ever I gained any victories over them which truly was not very seldom so by this means their hatred began to be augmented towards me as against a Myssian enemy in so much as they began to form orderly councels of their part as we did entertain with regularity those supplies were sent us out of Lydia for however they had the greatest part of the Countrey at their dispose yet we held the most commodious for our parpose things resting in doubtfull though bloudy conflicts untill the differences between our King Euarchus and the Senate now remaining at Sardis began to take up new considerations in the thoughts and appetites of all sorts of people that had any relation to the Lydian government wherefore the King having drawn armies into the field for his own pretended defence as the Senate had raised forces to contend against his intentions the souldiers under my command being more desirous to serve in the Lydian wars where gaine and honour were as they thought to be obtained then to remaine here without either pay or benefit both they and my selfe in a particular way endeavoured to serve the King against his Senate and of a sudden shuffling up a truce with the Rebels in these parts upon their faithfull promises not onely to submit to their Princes pleasure upon reasonable conditions but further to assist him in his present warres both with their persons and estates I sent all the souldiers presently to the Kings armies keeping in the interim this Town with some other under my jurisdiction to be disposed of as he shall at any time appoint In fine as this is as short a relation as I can make of those accidents that have befallen our unhappy countrey from the beginning of the Lydian rule so cannot I but esteem my selfe extreamly satisfied for the present that although it hath not yet come within the compasse of my ability to doe the King any remarkable or profitable services that the Princess Cloria is not only her selfe in person come under the power of that command I hold under her father but that her distresses and necessities at sea also have been in part relieved by the naturall scituation of this Island of Creete which as a good and lucke Omen will preserve it hence forward I hope from destruction if not grant it a better blessing then lately it hath received from the favour of the heavens and with these word accompanied by such a look that was capable enough to win beliefe concerning his affectionate endeavours to the King he ended his discourse Roxana after she had returned the Governour thanks with two or three sighes to expresse in a sort her inward sorrow for the accidents as it were both pittying
so appeared to my view at a distance the materials that built it were yellow minerals enterlaced with shells of mother of Pearle so that the structure resembled a Tower of gold garnished with jewels and being shelered over head in every place but before by united cypresses it represented to my imagination a rich Tabernacle in a stately Pavillions since the Trees were so tall that they gave it rather a shady lustre then a darke coverture Scarce had I contemplated this pleasant object but that Philos invited me to a neerer taste of the beauty it being to be past over by a Bridge silver'd over since the house it selfe was seared in an Island made by the winding course of a naturall River though many artificiall streames from it seemed to contribute some assistance to the running Brooke At our arrivall having spent a quarter of an houres time in descending the severall sorts of staires that carried us into the lower Gardens we might encounter with our eyes at the first opening of the doore the Lady Artemesia newly come out of the water scarce having covered her modesty with a Lawne smock neither did our surprisall seem to hasten the accommodation of that light coverture to the best advantage as if she were so farre from being ashamed to be taken in that posture that she rather exprest a desire to have her beauties still seen her haire was at full length though curiously curled which pretended to designe and not to accident since two waiting-women in Nymphs attire held a great Looking-glasse before her whilst she carefully drest her face with certaine black patches cut into the forms of Flies and other small creatures for the better ornament of her lookes her legs were bare onely she wore upon her feet a paire of rich embroydered pantobles This as neere as I can remember was the state we found her in And very neere certainly you were said Cloria that you could discover so much At which words Narcissus began to blush protesting also with a pretty violence that he was so farre from liking her in that posture that he was as much displeased as ashamed at her immodesly Well well replied the Princesse goe on in your story without these impertinencies since none laies any fault to your charge Which command was too peremptory from his faire Mistresse to continue him in any longer disputation so he proceeded But however said he although she put on no bashfull amazement in her countenance yet with a disdainfull frown she seemed to entertaine our company which was a sufficient injunction to cause us speedily to retire and that gave occasion to Philos since we had already travelled enough over those walkes to command us to be conducted up into the house where we might be more conveniently shaded from the heat of the day and that quickly brought us into the Galleries where excellent pictures not enough to be esteemed and rich cabbinets beyond valuation gave our thoughts and eyes an abundance of imployments untill a delicious dinner called us into another room where we found Artemesia searce seeming to be the same woman we left her in the Garden having not onely put off altogether her choler but also being trimmed up with so exquisite a neatnesse as if she had been prepared for her Nuptiall Feast which confirmes my opinion that all those postures were designed of purpose to make me think she was admirable in every shape as well when nature played the carelesse wanton as when art became the curious painter Bvt in conclusion a few complements set us all at table where lovely pages like Ganymeds fill'd our Wine rather in Diamonds then Christiall glasses whilst our fruit seemed to be fetcht from the Hesperides all so excellent that could not be imitated much lesse equalled yet that excellency was elevated I will not say augmented by ravishing Musick both of voyces and Instruments that with a gentle harmony rather bewitched then burdened the eare which continued untill direction was given to take away the cloth that the room might be emptied of all attendants to give us the greater liberty for our private conversation a custome in that Country for the better recreation since they used not to remove presently after dinner however we all continued for some time in a perfect silence they perhaps expecting what I should say of my noble entertainment and their uncles greatnesse and I not being over willing to administer occasion of discourse till at last Philos himselfe brake out in this manner Sister said he although I must confesse we have largely tafted of your bounty though more of your near curiosity a property I must acknowledge that better becomes youthfull Ladies yet it should seem before dinner you were too carelesse of your retirednesse in suffering strangers to be eye-witnesses of those beauties which you have designed only for him that is to be your husband as rich Jewels that are to be lockt up in close Cabinets not to be exposed to the vulgar view Brother answered Artemesia with a spightfull haste although it be true that it was contrary to the intention of my innocent modesty in that posture to be surprized by your wandring intention yet certainly I am lesse ashamed of the accident when I consider you beheld nothing that either I may be deprived of or eafily can be equalled by other Ladies of my yeeres onely all the feare I have is lest the scandall may prove offensive to this worthy stranger that I have so great ambition to content that I should beshrew any occasion that might render me suspected in his opinion since the interest of my blood and conversation I know must alwaies keep me safe in yours I must confesse this complement or rather strange expression of Attemesia put me in some confusion considering of one side if I gave her no answer at all it might be interpreted an ungratefull rudenesse having received such exquisite entertainment pretended onely for my disvertisement after my long sicknesse and of the other part what reply soever I could make proceeding from accustomed rules of civility would of necessity engage my words to the acknowledgement of her perfections which might encourage some other passionate progresse of that love I so much disliked however at last I fell upon this resolution to involve my answer into such a riddle that either could not be well understood or being so it might imply a double fence which I delivered in this sort Madam said I your beauties resemble the innocency of the first Ages that thought vertues were not to be hid from the ignorant world nor imperfections to be mask'd by any art whereby the rude multitude might alwaies have a book open to learn knowledge and practice goodnesse which was the best way to avoid ill when naked truth was the onely written character for their instructions This reply although it did not for the present well satisfie because it seemed not to flame by the stroake of the flint that had
peace but after a long conference with his compassionate Mistresse by the free consent of her Governesse who at last became perswaded he was entertained for a houshold servant however the sweet Princesse seemed unwilling to prophance his sacred robes with any hypocrisie But one day Cassiamus comming to visit the Princesse the gods know with what an envious jealousie Narcissus underwent this ceremonies sometimes he had a will to have interrupted his passage at the entrance into her chamber other while againe he thought to have alleadged she was asleep and could not be disquieted in her rest and last of all he began to have a resolution to quit his borrowed habit and challenge him for his boldnesse in pretending in his presence to his right And a thousand other fancies entertained his imagination almost in an instant when there was no more time lest him for these considerations derations but whilst Cloria was advertized of Cassianus arrivall and he admitted into her chamber whither Narcissus followed him with greedy steps to be a curious eye witnesse of his behaviour And when he saw Cloria with a gentle modesly admit of her Cousins salutation she being not willing to give him any discontent by reason of the old Flamine that was at his mercy his colour began to change in his face one while the beautifull red seemed to claime an interest in revenge notwithstanding all the prohibitions of his sweet Mistresse then againe the faire white had the prerogative and pretended feare to Clorias commands so that in this manner they never lest combating in his lovely countenance untill he was rid of the occasion of those disorders Not many dayes after Cassianus had performed his unwelcome visit the Senate belike jealous of the Princesse safety in regard the King her father had been strangely rescued from their power by that Army that not long before they esteemed their Subject suddenly commanded not onely those servants to be removed from their accustomed attendance that had been about her person but her selfe and Roxana to be conducted to a stronger Fort there to remaine with better security and more honour as they pretended until the present distractions of Lydia could in some sort be pacified in which number poor Narcissus became also prescribed which converted his past content into an unexpressible rage some time blaming the heavens for not punishing the cruelty as he interpreted it of the unjust and barbarons decree then againe he absolutely fell out with himselfe that he had not ability beyond humance force to prevent the execution of such a pernicious command But alasse his vaine passions were so farre from defending the Princesse Cloria against that violence offered to her person that he had not so much liberty as by one deare kisse to take leave of her white hand amongst the rest of her traine who were admitted to that sorrowfull honour for the rigid guard finding by his distracted lookes and extravagant words that he had not patience enough in his breast to comply punctually with their strict commission quickly discharged him from his ordinary attendance before they disposed of the rest of the servants This accident soon retired Narcissus into the neighbouring woods there to complaine only to Rocks and stones of the greatnesse of the Princesse injury and his owne misfortunes in which place he remained in his wilde passion untill want of food and lodging constrained him to turne his thoughts to consider his present necessity and to that purpose resolved to seek some habitation where he might receive entertainement untill he could further dispose of his determination since he found these fruitlesse sorrowes and distracted expressions neither eased his griefe or profited his love Wherefore after he had travelled three or foure dayes in the vast Forrest with such provision only as he could get in poore and contemptible Cottages as he past through a thick wood which seemed to obscure a certaine Plaine that lay beyond it his melancholy eares of a sudden were saluted with a certaine kind of rude musick that appeared also more confused for that it was at many periods accompanied with the loud acclamacions of common people As this seemed a strange adventure to his imagination after such an absolute silence for so many dayes in his solitary perambulation where dolefull ecchoes appeared to have beene in a manner his only companions with the uncouth fall of waters from high and unaccessible precipices so the unexpected newnesse againe of probability of humane conversation put on a little his desire to be curious though scarce was he willing to allow himselfe any content at all since she that was the delight of his soule had been forcibly separated from his sight neverthelesse prosecuting his intention he directed his steps towards the place where he heard the noyse through the intangled Bryers and almost impassable bushes which sufficiently moderated his haste and protracted his march yet at last with much paine he arrived neere the outside of the wood where he might perceive through the branches of the trees in a spacious Plaine a great many of Countrey people gathered about a little Altar raised six steps above the ground at which stood an old Priest offering sacrifice to the god Pan as appeared by his statue placed upon certaine bases composed of rough stone and with more unpolished workmanship This discovery invited Narcissus to attend the issue with silence and the rather for that at every full point and stop of the Priest in his devotions the multitude suddenly took hands in a joyfull agreement one with another and danced many rounds about the Image in a rurall manner to the only Musicke of their untunable voyces though a certaine ditty which he could not understand by any words they uttered appeared to expresse the intention of their mirth though onely knowne to themselves in respect of the rudenesse of the language and the harshnesse of the delivery When Narcissus had a long time enterteined his wonder with the sight of this understanding of the reason of their assembly he approached nearer the company with an intention to enquire of some standing by not onely what the occasion might be of that solemnity but how he should the readiest way find out the next convenient Towne to give him reception And the opportunity fitted well with his desire for the Priest having performed all the rights and ceremonies belonging to his office was newly retired some distance from the multitude to a small rising banke as well to repose himselfe as to behold with greater conveniency the continued sport wherein he seemed to have more then an ordinary interest which made Narcissus quickly addresse himselfe to him with this courteous language Father said he I hope it is the custome in these parts especially amongst those of your profession not to take ill any curiosity of a stranger that seekes civilly to be enformed as well in the manners of the Countrey where he passeth as of a convenient place that may
under the jurisdiction of the Flamins In this manner the King remained for divers weeks delighting his thoughts with such recreations as had been almost made customary to his nature by continuall practice from his infancy which made not a few wonder how he could seem pleased with such triviall things in the height of his vexations and discontents Again it was spightfully laid to his charge by his adversaries that he had no great prejudice in being tumbled from his throne when as he appeared not to have apprehention enough to be sufficiently sensible of what consequence the losse of a kingdome was but probably either he had so much wisdome as to reflect upon the uncertainty of all worldly things with a right consideration or was endued with such a supream goodnesse in his disposition as perswaded him to beare his afflictions with no ordinary temper and pacification In the interim the Myssians were not idle to play their game to the best advantage both with the Senate and the King for as of one side they made the Senate believe they had a mind to dispute the Kings injuries and sufferings both out of honour and Religion so did they alwaies tell the King that he must give satisfaction to the demands of either Kingdome before they could become instrumentall in his establishment which drew on their consultations to the length of many weeks expectation the Senate urging the delivering of the Kings person into their possession out of right and justice in regard they had been onely hired in the warns and service of Lydia by their money so that consequently they were obliged with a punctuall decorum to observe their commands in every thing of the other side Euarchus party affirmed that he being King of Myssia as well as Lydia the Myssians ought to have as particular an interest in his person and preservation as the Senate of Lydia in prosecution of which they were to see him again restored to his Crown and dignity notwithstanding any desire to the contrary but whilst these disputations lasted as I may say with some seeming bitternesse of either side which as 't was thought would instantly have caused a cruell and bloudy warre between both Nations one Argilius a Nobleman of Myssia came suddenly from his own Countrey into the Campe who from the very beginning of the stirs had been a main opposer by reason of his own covetousnesse and ambition of the Kings interest in that Nation intending thereby more absolutely to govern all the affaires of that kingdome himselfe when he arrived he presently went to the counsell of the Army where he made this oration unto them Gentlemen said he I understand you are now assembled about these consultations that may belong to the Kings particular concernments partly proceeding from the earnest solicitation of the Syrian Ambassador and partly in regard Euarchus is now present amongst you in the Camp In my opinion it is more just and convenient in the first place to look upon the gods worship in the next to mind our own preservations to this purpose in my judgement it ought to be considered why we took 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
the manner and matter of his discourse untill his endeavours produced this following relation You must know said he that this Priest Herenzius some yeares since when all the world seemed to yeild obedience to the great Flamine of Delphos as the only Oracle upon earth to prescribe the manner of the worship of the gods suddenly started up in the Kingdome of Syria who by reason of an ignominions punishment he had undergone as t was reported for a hainous offence committed against humane and divine Lawes began violently to fall out with heaven and earth in so much as in the first place he quarrelled with the forme of the service to the Gods then used and in the latter he denyed Kings and Princes obedience or rather loyalty from their naturall subjects To this purpose to execute his malice against all authority because he had suffered by it and withall thinking againe in some sort to recover his lost reputation in doing notable actions how wicked soever of a sudden flew to a certaine Towne upon the confines of Arabia whose people had newly not only disobeyed their Flamine but cast off their government to his authority which quickly gave him admittance with his Doctrine since they knew his opinions suited with their designes yet being rather friendly entertained then perfectly established by their welcome his insolency and pride in a short time banished him againe from the City seeing he could not shew temper in his first entrance and so remained untill the feare of the inhabitants of comming once more under their old government for that they understood their Prince prepared for a siege constrained them not onely a new to desire his company whereby to be assisted by his Councell but were forced to binde themselves by a solemne oath to submit absolutely their wills to his institutions with these conditions he became fully possessed of that power that gave him opportunity both to governe as he pleased and instruct as he listed untill he had fitted all their thoughts for the impressions of his designes by the eloquent language and cunning practices he used which in a short time so prospered that many disciples were found of such towardly dispositions instructed by his principles that he sent many of them also into other Countries to poyson the peoples loyalties since obedience is the most assured tye that probably warrants the safety and prosperity of Kingdomes But these men having as I said taken their journeyes with these intentions the first prevailing progresse they made was in the Countrey of Myssia where finding some discontents already ingendring between the young Queen then raigning grandmother to Euarchus and some factious and ambitious Nobility soon introduced their new and dangerous opinions into the hearts of the common people by which meanes the Lords became also so powerfull by their assistance that the poore Princesse in a short space was forced to quit both her Kingdome and Life a Tragedy too pittifull now to be related whilst the Rebells took possession of her authority from which usurpation proceedes Lydia's miseries since by a continuance of the same desires in those people towards her posterity they have now filled this Kingdome with tumults troubles and bloud the better to make good their own jurisdictions so unlawfully purchased in former times but however these opinions of deposing of Kings and altering the worship of the gods prevailed entirely in Myssia by reason of those crafty and factious actors that Herezius had sent yet his Doctrine found not so ready acceptance in the Kingdome of Lydia for that the Queen then raigning endeavoured against the violence of all their endeavours both to conserve Monarchy and maintaine their Flamines though the State altered many Tenents in Doctrine untill the late agreements of each Nation to oppose Euarchus in the same designe contrived an accord to extirpate in effect both King and Flamines This may passe my discourse to the Kingdome of Syria that hath not only formerly borne part in the suffering by reason of these opinions sowed in the world but hath been a principall occasion to give the Myssians protection by whose power Euarchus hath been chiefely destroyed To which purpose you must understand that although Herezius other messengers could not so easily beate downe the strong Walles of Monarchy established by so many ages in Syria against the power of great Armies alwayes kept in pay by that Nation yet oftentimes they filled the whole Kingdome with most lamentable slaughters to gaine enterance for their opinions and freedome for their Doctrine in so much as the Prince himselfe then governing finding the Temples overthrowne his Countrey spoyled and his Subjects destroyed by the fury of the contention was forced at last so farre to give way to the Herezians religion in Syria that they had not only granted them a free exercise of their consciences throughout all his dominions but many fortified Townes were delivered into their hands wherein they put their owne Garrisons to secure better this agreement which both afforded him peace and seemed to give them satisfaction for the present however every yeare almost after notwithstanding these benefits produced new stirres by that faction to the disquieting of the Kingdome that gave sufficient cause of vexation to many good Princes since they could not be assured of the loyalty of their obliged Subjects nor of the continuation of their owne prosperities when neither graces could win them by reason of the spleen they bore to Monarchy or power could compell them in regard of those Forts they had in their custody But to be short before the great and wise Favourite Philostros durst take upon him the huge worke he intended which was to suppresse the gloriousnesse of the Aegyptian Empire he imagined he could not be absolutely safe at home and so consequently not fitted for so large a conquest as long as he should leave behind him in his own bosome so eminent a danger as those he esteemed lawlesse Subjects in Orsames Kingdome knowing they would upon all occasions be ready to joyne with forraigne Forces to overthrow their owne Kings government and therefore resolved first before he undertooke any new designe to subdue their power to the absolute obedience of his great Masters jurisdiction as in times past it had been to some of his predecessors to which purpose he not only suddenly besieged the strongest Towne they had in Syria but within a short space left them never a Fort in the whole Kingdome that was not constrained to deliver up the Keyes of its Gates to the will and pleasure of fortunate Orsames who began to grow great in the opinion of the world by the conquest of his own Subjects that were accustomed to give sufficient imployment to other Kings However after that Philostros had made this speedy progresse in glory as well as in security for his Masters apparant advantage both in quietting his Subjects at home and terrifying his enemies abroad which proved mighty advantages for
it necessary to defend my reputation against your complements but yet upon better consideration I am of opinion it is much safer to confesse my selfe overcome by your courtesie then venture more blowes in so unequall a combate where your wit will be sure to have the victory And with these words taking him by the hand she led him into a faire Balcony that had a large prospect over the goodly Riveâ— of Pactâ—le where long they had not remained the Princesse in the meane time casting her eyes downe the River upon whose bankes was seated that pleasant house of her Fathers that first gave Cassianus entertainment when he came into Lydia before she used this language though a sweet shower of teares opened the passage for her words I cannot said she but with some griefe remember the innocent times that gave both you and me meeting in yonder place when my Father seemed to triumph in glory that is now unfortunately metamorphosed into a Garrison of Souldiers who perchance neither honour dignity nor know goodnesse much lesse practise vertue Indeed said Cassianus as I must confesse those respects I then received from your most noble Father and my affectionate Uncle were farre beyond my poore deserts which gives me more occasion at present to lament his condition in being Subject to such a cruelty that no power of mine is able to redeem yet I cannot also but remember my own losses at that time since even then I quitted the liberty of my soule that untill this present I could never recover againe though I have sought all wayes of redemption and unlesse you prove more mercifull then the Kings oppressors I shall not only remaine in as great a captivity but have cause to accuse you of the like Tyranny though I dare not be so bold in my complaints But yet Cousin said Cloria I must make a great deal of difference in the nature of your sufferings though I should grant the quality for as the King hath by all meanes possible strived to give his oppressors satisfaction provided it may not be against the right of his Successors and good of his people so you of the other side violently ayme at your own content to the injuring perhaps of anothers Title Alas Madam answered Cassianus was I not your first and last lover the silent rocks can give sufficient testimonies of the one when at that famous hunting I retired under their protections only to make my complaints and the whole Senate can witnesse the other by my importunities wherefore no interest is to be esteemed equall to my pretentions either in affection or right Alasse alasse answered the Princesse you never let me know those powerfull affections before other respects had taken full possession of that heart which became also in some sort a prisoner not to be released who perhaps might as well have been your Captive if your omissions had not proved most unfortunate to your purposes And whereas you say you are my last lover I beseech you doe but consider Farezius intentions and looke upon his actions and you will finde both violence and power hath discovered a later sceane then what you moved in when you saved the old Flamins life so that I must tell you that unlesse punctually you observe the condition according to your former agreement which was never to presse my love to any conclusion if Narcissus were living to whose living to whose memory I must still observe that decorum I vow by the gods never to entertaine any motions from your addresses much lesse give any consent to a future marriage besides you must performe those actions that may render you capable of satisfaction as my selfe freedome in granting which can never be as long as the Generall hath opportunity to prevent and power to constraine Wherefore in briefe you are to study some opposition answerable to his greatnesse for both our advantages whereby the better to merit my love as to shew your selfe worthy the name of a Prince of so great an extraction These discourses of Cloria could not chuse but nettle the ears of Cassianus towards the resolution of sufficient ambitions since hitherto he conceived himselfe to have been over sloathfull as well in her love as his own honour so that standing some time in a deep muse as if he intended to setch his determinations from his very soule at last he broake out into this language Most faire and wise Princesse said he as already I have promised my best endeavours with the expence of my deare bloud in which you have the dearest interest in your service against the proud Generall so I must be prescribed by your directions to such limitations and performances as I am to observe for feare that else my actions may either endanger your safety to be more valued then the worlds Empire or ruine your Fathers hopes whose sufferings cannot be exampled Therefore I beseech you let me know how farre your pleasure may travell in that journey I intend to make against the pride of ambitious Farezius Cousin said Cloria as I shall leave my Governesses experience to treat with you about the particulars so of the other side I am content to give you these assurances of my affections that after Narcissus you shall have the next place in my consideration provided you think of my Fathers sufferings and be mindfull of your own honour since without him I cannot give away my selfe and without your reputation you are but halfe a Prince Upon these conditions you shall find my Lodgings ever ready to entertaine your visits so they may be seasonable and not scandalous which I believe are favours sufficient to nourish your hopes according to those expressions you received under my hand in that Letter your seeming neglect of my condition forced from me which is all for the present I have to say upon this theame unlesse it be to adde to your consideration how is it possible you can either reape fruits from my affection if Farezius continue great or what probability have you again to recover your lost Country of Iberia if all regality be supprest since in the one his greatnesse may perhaps constraine me to an unwilling consent for my owne preservation as the other by this meanes may so fill Lydia with popular desires that your birth and bloud much lesse dignity shall finde no entertainment in their considerations Wherefore I say joyn your thoughts only to such designes as shall be contrived by the Nobility with the State of Syria wherein the Myssians seem also to have a share in regard the Lords governe all in their Country and by that meanes you will best please my desires Although Cassianus could not disprove the Princesse Rhetorick for that it taught him a duty belonging to his quality which he had not hitherto altogether followed since he more looked upon his own private concernments in complying with his Uncles enemies then those rights that belonged to the dignity and honour of Princes of
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 watâ—rmen 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 jurisdiction 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 her Governesse Roxana had in his wit and fidelity but withall in regard of the inward joy she felt concerning the King her fathers affaires that seemed now to be in a better posture then they were almost since the beginning of his troubles for she imagined by the consequences his subjects would be constrained for their own advantages to place him again in his Throne in a higher capacity of power then before Ascanius of the other side expressed also by his countenance the like gladnesse in so much as after a little space as if he had been in a manner transported with thoughts of delight and satisfaction according to his youthfull conceptions that were apt enough to entertaine all Ideas of content and felicity presently runne to his sister and whilst both his arms were cast about her neck he sealed as well his affection as his joy upon her Ruby lips by a multitude of sweet though more deere kisses but she at last either something apprehending the too much importunity of such affections or else desirous to inform her selfe better of other particulars told her brother in a jesting way that as she could scarce dispence with the rigid rules of her own modesty to have her virgin lips so assaulted although it were from an affectionate brother whose innocent vertue was beyond all possibility of scandall so did she of the other side exceedingly wonder that his own change of condition which onely procured his safety under the protection of the Castle where for the present they remained had not wrought in his disposition contrary effects to that quality wherein he was born since now he was to esteem himselfe rather a servant to fortune then a Prince by extraction not a Prince replyed Ascanius the gods defend I should ever harbour in my brest such poore and unworthy thoughts notwithstanding the injustice or malice of any fortune whatsoever no sister be you assured that both for your sake and my own I shall alwaies endeavour by my actions to shew that I am sonne to Euarchus and Hyacinthia and I doubt not but you will doe the like concerning your own particular But yet replied the sweet Princesse we are obliged in some sort to yield to our fates when we have not means sufficient left us to prevent them for if the Senate by a certain kind of a tyrannicall power granted them by the heavens perhaps onely in correction of our offences doe imprison and circumscribe our persons what matters of consequence can our mindes afford us to our advantage in such exigencies O say not so answered Ascanius for the mind is able to be a noble conquerour over all unfortunate disasters since in my youthfull studies I have read of many brave persons that in the highest expressions of tyranny and afflictions imposed upon their bodies by their worst and greatest enemies have at last in despight of all their cruelty born away the onely palme and Lawrell of victory as it were confounding their very perfecutors with the extraordinary constancy of their own sufferings These said Cloria I must confâ—sse are brave resolutions in words if they can be as well practised by actions for I must tell you that flesh and bloud cannot easily put off all naturall inclinations though I will not deny but the soule may doe miracles being ayded by divine considerations and oftentimes hath demonstrated wonderfull effects meerely out of some extraordinary sense or inflammation of honour both by Souldiers and Philosophers Truly said Ascanius then it were very hard being Kings children if we should not in our proceedings meet with some of these faculties to our benefit when as perhaps contemptible slaves in former ages have aboundantly exampled to our knowledge and edification such heroicall suffering As they were thus discoursing Roxana who had for a long space kept a most formall and grave silence thought it also convenient to shew her own wisdome the rather since her yeeres and experience pretended to a certaine kind of prerogative amongst those of the younger sort of people Truely said she as I cannot deny but that this extraordinary courage you mention is of a singular benefit to many sorts of people in their pressing and difficult occasions yet when with a wise though not a base complyance we can avoyd both the inconvenience and hazard to our selves with more ease and no dishonour I see no reason why we should goe about to straine nature to no purpose especially if we be not well assured to gaine a beneficiall victory by the contention And if we faile in that we seem to undertake we contract thereby a further mischiefe and disreputation to our selves then if we had not at all offered to contend against power and oppression at the first besides oftentimes those resistances in the dark shall never come truly to the knowledge of the world so that consequently we faile then of that glory our foolish and preposterous ambition aymed at by such resolutions by which means we shall be rather enterpreted to be blown up with vain-glorious fumes then seasoned with true fortitude In time the best mixture must be so to moderate our actions that as precipitately we put not our selves upon vain and needlesse sufferings without necessity so ought not we too much to yield to the inconstant stroakes of fortune and oppression when either honour or religion calls us to a publique demonstration of our bravery and courage But however these disputatious might either confirme Cloria or convert her brother yet Ascanius finding the opportunity for his own desired imployment in the Kings affaires he resolved as soon as possible he could to seek occasion for his own speedy departure which did not a little afflict the considerations of his sweet sister the Princesse Cloria who began to contract a most singular delight in the witty conversation of her deare brother Neverthelesse she resolved not to be so great a friend to her own passions as to become thereby an enemy to his honour and her fathers prosperity so that this being after some consultation determined on all sides Ascanius intended in some new disguise like a boy belonging to the Navy to steale privately away to sea under the protection of those officers that might afford him the conveniency to repaire to those ships that had revolted from the Senates service FINIS
long time there appeared no life at all in him whilst the company were discoursing severally of the accident and incounter and applying some remedies to stop the bleeding of Narcissus wounded arme the Panther of a sudden not onely againe revived but flew violently upon one of the dogs lying neere him and bit him so that the bloud followed which in a manner startled the whole company thinking him to be dead wherefore againe they set upon him though with a jesting violence untill at last they made him sure from doing any more hurt to them or any others However this unexpected wound which Narcissus had received in his arme from the sharpe clawes of the Panther was not esteemed by himselse either dangerous or worth much consideration yet by way of conveniency if not necessity both he and the Princesse Cloria were forced for some time longer to put off their journey to the Island of Cyprus which seemed much to comply with the contrived designe of Philos for their surprizall at Sea by the Lydian fleet since for some dayes Narcissus not onely kept his chamber but his bed which however afforded him many visites from all the youthfull Nobility of the Court as I may say in some sort seemingly glad of the accident whereby he might by reason of that necessity be still obliged to remaine in their company This cure of his protracted the time so long that the season of the yeare drew on for the ceremonious cutting of the bankes of the River of Nilus whereby the whole Country of Aegypt might be fludded to augment its fertility or rather to take away the naturall barrenness of the soile which would be occasioned by such omission To this worke of industry belonged certaine triumphes that had beene time out of minde instituted by the ancient Kings that governed the people which custome as the inhabitants by a certaine kinde of superstition in their dispositions every yeare most religiously observed as believing in some sort their wealth would increase with their devotion so Orsames himselfe whereby the better to retaine the affections of his new conquered Subjects of that Nation was perswaded not onely to be present at those sports in person but Philos thinking it also a most opportune occasion to demonstrate his Uncles greatnesse resolved to entertaine that night the whole company of Princes at Memphis in a most magnificent manner though his chiefe intentions were to see whether he could by that meanes the sooner disjoyne the affections of Cloria to whose honour he seemed to consecrate his feast whereby more particularly to bestow the loves both of her self Narcissus upon him and Artemesia by reason of a certaine kinde of lustre domineering as might be thought more in their family then any others visible in Asia in regard of Philostros intimacy and power with Orsames these were his fantasticall thoughts grounded onely upon opinion and his owne ambition when as the vertuous loves between Cloria and Narcissus were established upon diamond rocks not to be shaken by any blasts of greatnesse or fortune When the day came for this mighthy ceremony the people being assembled upon the banks of the River the whole afternone was spent in the taking and destroying of Crocodiles which with certaine baited hookes of Iâ—on were by their huge bodies drawne out of the water to the no small amazement of those strangers that had never seene the like before The young men also of the Town in new Barges made for that purpose offered many delightfull sports in a kinde of a rurall triumph before the Castle where also was the great Cesterne which hath beene formerly mentioned in taking the Fort marking out to the Inhabitants the rise and fall of the River by which conjecture the fertility and scarcity of the yeares appeare This Cesterne they not onely adorned with many Garlands and preparations for fire-workes but Roxana's dwarfe that had beene so great an actor in the surprizall of the Castle was upon an open Theatre presented to the view of the people casting out to their expectations Orsames bounty all which notwithstanding were designed for no other then preparatives for the nights ceremonies At what time Philos according to the circumstance of his invitation conducted the Princesse Cloria to his lodgings in full opposition to the other Castle with the rest of the Noble company then remaining at Memphis and however Narcissus felt some incommodation in regard of the wound he had so lately received without any great imporunity was perswaded by Philos to be of the same society it being in some sort also intended for his entertainment that hee might not onely be an eye-witnesse of the glory of Philostros family but as the sequell will testifie have a view of his intended Mistresse Artemesia Philos sister having never during his abode at Memphis beheld her person though for what reason was not known by any The room that was designed for the Feast was perfectly Ovall crowned on the top with a brave Cupelo according to the antick Aegyptian manner adorned almost all over with ancient Hieroglyphicks in Mosaick worke the Galleries of each side for the commodity of Musick were wrought into severall intricate knots of gilded brasse intermixt with other colours for the more beauty of the eye the table it selfe also answered exactly to the ovall proportion of the room leaving a convenient space from the wall for the commodity of necessary attendants it was in the middle hollowed in a large measure to take off a part of its bredth the company onely being appointed to sit without any opposition to one another however in that seeming vacancy of the board was erected from the ground a most stately fountaine that at least reached halfe way to the upper part of the seeling where appeared the goddesse Diana and her Nymphs bathing themselves cut out in most excellent white Marble which being also intermingled with certain artificiall Trees according to the nature of the Countrey it afforded a most delectable prospect to the beholders and the rather for that the Fountaine being built in a seeming cristall lake of cleare running water brought thither by the ancient Kings of Aegypt with infinite charge and admirable skill not onely proved exceedingly to be a commodity to the Feast but a refreshment to the company especially for that from their seeming naked breasts there continually runne into severall small vessels appointed for that purpose all sorts of excellent Wine both Greek and Aphrican where daintie boyes stood ready to dispose of it to the strangers when any pleased to call for it of each sort the company at the first entrance into the roome seemed to be a little amazed at such a magnificent beauty which they knew not of to be before in Memphis though the building had not onely long time agoe been erected by the greatest Monarchs of those parts but the place it selfe had for many yeeres past been reserved superstitiously by the inhabitants for no other use but for
the celebration of the day and night when the banks of Nilus were to be opened to let in the water over the Countrey Thus they continued casting their eyes about at severall varieties the Musick in the interim meeting with the concavity of the fabrick to the best advantage to the care whilst of a sudden there flew open a two-leaved doore that directed its prospect through a large and long Gallery into another room at the upper end of which appeared a Lady sitting on a Throne ' however at such a distance that her countenance could not be perfectly distinguished but being soon conducted by Philos towards the place she was quickly discovered by his information to be his sister the most faire Artemesia at leastwise so esteemed in her own opinion and truly was so in effect if her minde had in every kinde been answerable to her body since any way wanting the inward beauty some defect of necessity must be in the whole and so consequently not most faire Upon their approach they found her incompassed by many Negro slaves who with huge Fanns in their hands appeared to give her breath and refreshment but why onely so accompanied could not well be imagined unlesse it were by the blacknesse of her attendants the better to set forth her own beauty in the apprehension of the spectators when they came at something a neerer distance for before she would not seem to rise in a certain kind of carelesse posture she descended from her Throne whilst the lovely Princesse Cloria with another kind of quicknesse in her carriage made up between courtesie and good nature wherein pride had not the least interest addrest her selfe to give her an affable and fitting salutation proceeding not onely from the gentlenesse of her disposition but the gratitude in her thoughts in that her brothers entertainment was wholly upon the matter as was pretended intended for her welcome and reception Neverthelesse Artemesia met her with such a countenance as if she yet made some question which of both was to be esteemed the person of most dignity however at last Artemesia gave Cloria the better hand though with that demeanour that did more divulge her insolency then shew her judgement to all the assembly but self-opinion when onely governed by an imperious soule accompanied with passion and prosperity can have no other cure but either by destruction in effect or contrary fortunes in possession but all this as it should seem was to gaine a heart from poore Narcissus that was aready captivated by a stronger influence who though he had understood her meaning hee could not have been brought from sacrificing to vertue and goodnesse to have committed idolatry before a painted image wherein was contained as might be thought nothing but pride and vanity To be short these ridiculous passages in a ceremonious march conducted them to take their places The feast it selfe did not exceed more in sumptuous magnificence then in exquisite curiosity for the fruits seemed rather all growing upon naturall Trees ther conveyed to their taste by industry whilst birds of all sorts in the interim flew about the room warbling forth such variety of notes to entertain the company as if they had been taught their skill by excellent masters And the more admirable it was in regard the clarity of the place by reason of an artificiall splendour newly created proceeding from divers places in the room rendred their severall colours to the view more beautifull then they were by nature ordained It were a kind of grosse simplicity to talk of abundance when as the power of Syria joyned with the fertility of Aegypt conjoyned with a full if not as I may say an omnipotent ability to perswade love and shew greatnesse But however this entertainment seemed to be the provision of many ages and the feast intended for some yeeres continuance yet that nights ceremony though customary in it selfe yet at the present ordained for the sight of the greatest esteemed Monarch in Asia could not waite upon any other intention or conveniency wherefore the company being advertised that Orsames with his Favourite in the other Castle were already seated expecting the shew in something a confused manner rise from the Table leaving all other services behind to be recommended onely to fancy and imagination since every one hasted to those windowes upon the River that were most convenient for their purposes for that already the fire flying in the ayre and the Trumpets sounding upon the land appeared to sense as if the heavens had changed their stations for as the night seemed to be day by a contrary though a more illustrious reflection so mortalls might be thought to have assumed to themselves the property of gods in regard of the resplendent glory of the King who sat upon the top of the great Castle incompassed about with such multitudes of lights and that variety of attendants that he seemed not onely to be the conquerour of the earth by a just right but even to claime an appearing and divine interest of something miraculous during his time here below In fine nothing could be seen more splendent for the time which drew all the eyes of the people upon his glory with such an amazed joy that searce could they with hearts and cries abstaine from open Idolatry but notwithstanding all these inticements of sense Artemesia however more bewitched in her passions then any other could not be perswaded neither by her brother or the rest of the company to be at all a spectator of those sports but whether out of a vaine imagination that she seemed in her thoughts to contemne every popular spectacle as being a great deale below her aymes and designes or whether she could not brook the competition of Cloria's beauty and dignity or indeed was truly Melancholy as Philos had informed the Ambassador it is not to any great purpose to determine onely it was visible that in a kind of a disdainfull posture shee without any manner of salutation to the company retired suddainly into her chamber Notwithstanding all these passages Philos whose heart and thoughts were already too violently set upon his owne particular concernements however he found more cause of despaire every day then other of parting the young lovers affection although he might by the successe of his designes sever their persons and had made his sisters preposterous passions in part as a stale the better to compasse his owne ends though he would have been most willing also to have rendred her entirely satisfied in regard the contrary as he thought something conduced to the dishonour of the family began a little to consider what he should doe at the present wherefore because he would leave no way unattempted that might pretend to probability and finding the Princesse Cloria at a window alone earnestly beholding the fire-workes and other pastims answerable to the season which seemed something convenient for his purpose he began a discourse to her in this nature as he