or resolve to end my life in this solitude and with that wept which for some time continued them both in a pensive silence untill Creses importuned the aged father to put off his sorrow or at leastwise suffer him to be a sharer with him in his griefe by letting him know more particularly the causes this gave occasion to the old man to tell him that many Souldiers were newly arrived in the Forrest to shelter themselves by the protection of the woods from the rage of their persecutors who followed them after a Battell that was lately fought between Thyasmus and the Senates Forces where both he and almost his whole Army being surprized by an Ambuscado of the enemy had lost the day to the absolute destruction of the Kings affairs and an utter undoing as 't was believed of all his friends since Euarchus expects every houre in person to be besieged in Philadelphia This unexpected newes did more then trouble Creses not onely because it did in a manner destroy his owne hopes that seemed to depend upon the successe of the journey he had in hand which was to present the Princesse Cloria an acceptable offering to her Father but in denying them all meanes to avoid a dangerous consequence since they neither could advance towards their first intention for doubt of interruption in the passage by scattering Troopes of the Senates garrisons nor durst retire back againe to the Castle for feare of being cruelly punished for the escape so that he was forced to make the old father acquainted with the personall presence of the Princesse Cloria and the rather since he could no way intrust his fidelity but of the contrary by that knowledge procure a reception of her in his house untill his owne returne from Philadelphia whither he intended secretly to go that he might the better be informed of the Kings condition and by that direction more conveniently secure the Princesse Gloria either by flight into some forraigne Country or deliver her person into the protection of her owne Father as he had promised yet he conjured the Flamine after he had layed open unto him his thoughts intentions and desires not to discover the least syllable of these disasterous accidents to the Princesse for feare of disquieting her gentle bosome with misfortunes no care of hers could remedy though he determined to perswade her to be contented to dispence with his owne absence for some time to performe pretended necessary service for her safety When they had sufficiently digested these resolutions and agreements they both rose from their seats to present themselves to Cloria the Princesse at their approach entertained the Flamine with the same affection she conceived to be due to one that had beene formerly honoured by her Fathers favours whilst he with Teares in his eyes presently conducted her and the rest of the company to his small habitation excusing notwithstanding in a courtly phrase the poorenesse of the welcome she was to expect but long she had not enjoyed the pleasing security of that retirement before she was overtaken with a most horrid and insolent treason in this sort The Souldiers that cowardly were fled from the battell as the Flamine had related to Creses and were retired within the Fortifications of those woods for their better security against their pursuers understanding by some intelligence that the Princesse Cloria was lodged privately within the old Fathers house began to consider that if they returned her back again to the Senate at Sardis from whence they understood she was escaped it would prove so acceptable that they should not onely thereby purchase all their pardons but probably many of the chiefe actors might receive considerable rewards This opinion they no sooner entertained in their wicked and disloyall breasts but the execution followed with so much violence that they not onely seized Cloria and Roxana but also carried with them the old Flamine as a full period to their supream villany notwithstanding all the perswasions could be used towards them but the gods hating the traytors though the Senate made use of the treason all they could procure for this acceptable service was to have their lives saved upon condition they should within ten daies depart the Kingdome or else to suffer present death wheresoever they could be found after the limited time which caused them to curse the very day of their births However this just sentence was a deserving reward for their offences yet poore Cloria enjoyed no comfort in her captivity but rather her crosses were augmented by the arrivall of Cassianus one day when she was retired into the innermost part of her lodgings with an intention to contribute a large proportion to her sorrows esteeming it the best conversation she could possesse in these sad times she was of a sudden saluted by the Prince who conceived his power gave him a sufficient warrant for any intrusion where after he had continued his courtship with a few complements he strived to protest his affection with all the reasons that the same religion neernesse of kindred and his vow'd service to her father could pretend unto which pluckt from the Princesse this sharp and sudden reply contrary to her nature Cozen said she although your own thoughts can best witnesse the Religion you hold yet give me leave to tell you that my knowledge receives no satisfaction by your profession since you violently seem to runne along with that current that seeks by all means possible to destroy the Lydian rights in taking away the Flamins out of the Temples the onely pretended occasion now of these warrs between my father and his Senate in which customes I have been brought up from my cradle Again for your blood I must confesse it is of so neere kindred with mine that I wonder you doe not blush to see me suffer an injurious captivity without revenge or assistance much more to be a principall cause of my imprisonment since your preposterous affections adds flames to the Senates cruelty when as my love in all justice should rather be perswaded then compelled And lastly concerning the service you professe to my father as I would be glad to see some effects thereof by reall actions instead of ayerie and perhaps of false professions so of the other side I must desire you to remember that Prince Cassianus was alwaies entertained cherished by King Euarchus with all humanity and bounty when his regall power was not diminished Wherefore in my opinion you have no reason to tide with that faction that strives to pluck the Diadem from the browes of him and his posterity in which number I have or ought to have a considerable interest Cassianus after he had received this bitâ—er reply with a certain pale if not guilty look rested for some time as it were frozen in a kind of despaire not being able to utter one syllable in defence of himselfe against such desperate language as he thought delivered by a heavenly Oracle iâ— yet
issue of the supposed difference where they had not rested two houres tormented with variable feares and greedy expectations before they were informed that some Troops sent by Sorastros to relieve his sonne because he could not yet spare more forces from his new engagements had with invincible courage made their passage through the enemies campe and with safety got entrance into the Town to the absolute furnishing of the garrison which as 't was delivered created new courage in the hearts of the people in so much that now as they said they did not care for the continuance of the siege since they were sufficiently provided against all Orsames power Cloria and Roxana notwithstanding this newes were extreamly glad it was no worse although of the other side they were troubled to think upon the protraction of their delivery if their project should any way miscarry the accident giving conveniency to double the guards in every place one of the greatest obstacles to the designe however their hopes so much outwent their feares that their imaginations were contented in some sort to rest satisfied But Osirus being puft up with the joy of these new succours not onely for that they so much strengthned his forces in the Town but had as he believed most couragiously beaten Orsames since they made their way through his whole Army resolved the next day himselfe in person to make a generall sally upon the enemy and by that means as he hoped absolutely to finish the siege neither could he abstain from sending a messenger to the Princesse as well to informe her of his successe as to promise her the chastisement of the proud boy Narcissus as he termed him which belike he imagined would be most welcome newes to her eares Cloria although she scarce liked his determination yet she was confident enough of his want of power to execute his resolution knowing that Orsames her uncle neither wanted souldiers in his Camp to resist his attempt nor conduct in his Officers to be sufficiently warchfull against any surprize especially being taught provident experience by the last daies conflict and for Narcissus who went neerest her heart although she was possessed with some gentle feares continually of his safety yet she was abundantly confident of his valour not onely in the consideration of the bold challenge he had lately sent Osirus but in the common report she had heard of his fame during these warres under the title of the white Knight however she was content by the perswasion of her Governesse to return a dissembling thanks for the Princes favour that he would vouchsafe to make her acquainted with his great and secret designes After the messenger was departed as Cloria and Roxana spent most of the day and the night following in discourses concerning their affaires in which interim now and then the sweet Princesse let fall some teares with many silent prayers to the gods both for the prosperity of her condition and the safety of Narcissus so of the other side Osirus was more then busied in the preparation and encouragement of his souldiers sometime taking counsell whether it were better to set upon the enemy in the day or the night and how to manage the salley they intended to make to the best advantage other while he caused false alarums to be given to the Camp with beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet whereby the better not onely to deceive Orsames expectation that he might be lesse prepared when he should set upon him but also to weary his souldiers remaining in their armes all which imployment took up the time untill Osirus after two daies in the dead of the night so determined by a Councel of warre issued forth out of the Town with most of his forces onely leaving the burgers to man the walls and marched in that manner silently without any noyse at all the better to surprize the enemy But contrary to his expectation or rather to his extraordinary amazement he found the Camp raised and Orsames gone onely some few left as they confessed being taken by the souldiers to set fire to the Camp the next morning This newes as it gave sufficient cause of wonder to Osirus army so it was quickly carried with joy into the Town wherefore the Troops returning again after some slight sacrifices were performed to the gods every one betook themselves to those appetites that best pleased their sensualities the Citizens onely taking care as in time of peace for the safety of the City but by this strange or rather ominous accdents Clorias hopes seemed now to be absolutely ravished and her miserable captivity to be eternally prolonged nor had Roxana scarce courage left her to comfort her sorrowfull Mistris in any kind that could produce the least flattering confidence yet after they had spent the tedious day in diverlity of passions which appeared to be the more Tyrannicall for that they were forced in part to smother their griefes in their secret bosomes that they might not come to the knowledge of those spies which were commanded to attend their persons if not secure their imprisonment at night they both cast themselves down upon their beds without taking the paines to pull off their clothes not believing that rest they were probably to take could merit the labour However they had not reposed in that posture much above two houres in frightfull slumbers and disquiet dreames engendred in their thoughts by despairing apprehensions when of the sudden they were called up by a maid servant to behold a bloudy conflict in the Castle Hall whereof they had the more commoditie to be spectators in regard the window of the Wardrobe that belonged to their lodgings had a full prospect into the place the fight seemed the more horrid in regard onely of a faint light proceeding from a darke lampe that was hung in the middle of the roome which rather appeared like the taper of death since it was the means to shew the way to a greater slaughter then was commodious or at all delightfull to the view but after a while that the confused combatants either wearied by over much distruction or the prevailing party having gained too apparent advantage over those of the Castle in part to be discerned by their Livery began to breath whilst the others fled either to seeke more helpe or to save their lives yet long they had not enjoyed that repose and I may say in some sort necessary but they might here a Knight among the rest that seemed to be the chiefe Captaine of the Company in Command to blame them for their slothfulnesse in prosecution considering as he said the work was not halfe done untill they were full possessors of the Fort with these words flourishing a little his sword about his head he endeavoured to make a new passage into the innermost roomes but long it was not before he was strongly opposed by a guard at the doore that couragiously denied him entrance untill many of their lives had
and chiefest work since by his power and authority the rest of the necessary affairs of the Kingdom would in all probability have been better and surer setled when they should have carried with them both Law and Justice You are in the right Madam said Creses wherefore if I may not be thought over tedious to your patience I will discourse to you some things which I have not only heard from the Kings own mouth when I last waited upon him but other observations I took when I was in Syria by which you may make what conjectures you please So taking the old woman by the hand he led her to a little banquetting house not far off for the more privacy where after they were both seated he made unto her this Relation Madam said he first you must understand that Euarchus the King is opposed in his just government or rather legall authority by four factions that for the present seek to undermine one another all having absolutely in their hearts cast off their obedience to the Kings Person and Prerogative The Senate strives with violence to maintain that jurisdiction it hath extorted from him as the Mysians endeavour out of a high covetousness to be shares in the Government and Riches of this flourishing Kingdom Neither wants the Army pretentions by reason of the service they have done in the late Warres to claim reward and subsistance And last of all the wealthy City of Sardis in regard it hath for the most part furnished the Soudiers and Councell with money requires to be made a free Town that is to say to depend upon no subjection but what Magistrates created by themselves shall prescribe This contention of all sides is the chief occasion as 't is thought that makes every thing at a stand whilst in the mean time the people seem to cry out being overburthened with oppressions and payments which in the end certainly cannot but turn to an absolute confusion since there is scarce possibility left to satisfie all parties And thus much shall suffice for the common state of things Now concerning the proceedings of Syria which I have most from the Kings own mouth be pleased to understand that when he was forced to assemble this great Councel that hath proved so unfortunate to his happiness there was sent into Lydia from Philostros an Ambassador as Euarchus imagined for his consolation and assistance against the violent proceedings of his Senate but presently after his arrivall he was so far from complying with the Kings occasions that he kept a frequent correspondence with those persons that seemed most to oppose his authority in so much as the King was constrained at last with some violence not only to forbid him any longer attendance upon his person but earnestly to desire the State of Syria to recall him home from all further imployment in Lydia which setled the thoughts of Euarchus in some quietness whilst his own victories over his disobiendient subjects and the death both of Philostros and Orssames gave the King more then probable hopes of a small and happy successe in his enterprize which was againe in a very short time to reduce all Lydia under his lawful jurisdiction but belike the State of Syria following the same maximes of government under the young son Orsames had left behind him contrary to all humane expectation sent presently after the death of Orsames another Ambassador to Euarchus not only a new to invite him to breake the League which he still continued with the King of Aegypt but to allow his contesting Senate to be a lawfull and continued Councell by his absolute approbation thinking belike that it would better conduce to the affaires of Syria to have Euarchus power limitted then to suffer him to remaine in his high prerogative but these demands the King most violently and disdainfully refusing the Ambassador not only with some seeming discontent took his leave but as it was thought invited the Myssians againe into Lydia which hath been as you know the reason of Euarchus overthrow since the Senates single power had never probably prevailed against his fortune and successe however the businesse did not yet rest for after the King had notwithstanding strugled with infinite difficulties to make good still his declining cause his son Arethusius Forces also being destroyed in many set Battells who after fled into Syria to the Queen his Mother Euarchus was forced to put himselfe under the protection of the Myssians Army yet with so little benefit to his affaires that in a short time after he was delivered in person into his enemies hands who treated him with all manner of hardnesse untill the Army took him violently from that jurisdiction As this Madam is the sad particulars I can relate unto you of the Kings misfortunes and captivity so may you very well make conjecture of the consequences Roxana after she had thanked him for his discourse wherein as she said he had made her acquainted with some passages she never understood before yet he should oblige her much more if he would be pleased to deliver his opinion what might be the intentions of the Syrian State in thus desiring to lessen or rather to outward apparence to overthrow the Monarchy of Lydia since the example seemed of a dangerous consequence for its own government for that those Subjects might also fall upon the like pretences Truly answered Creses what I can say of that Theame is that either they thinke it more convenient for the glory of Syria to reduce all Kingdomes but their owne into Commonwealths whereby theirs may appeare to Asia the onely Empire or they have an intention to make a conquest of ours by reason of those multitudes of divisions they see arising amongst our selves or perhaps they ayme to set up Prince Arethusius in his fathers Kingdome because he is of the Syrian bloud whereby they believe they shall purchase both honour and friendship But if I thought I should not prove over harsh in my unpollisht language whereby too much to injure your patience by my tedious relation I would discover yet a story though acted long time since that in my opinion hath been the originall of the sad effects of this last Warre it will prove the longer in regard it toucheth the proceedings not only of the Kingdome of Lydia but the Countries of Syria and Myssia that formerly have been all three interwoven in dangers slaughters and civill broyles by the spightfull proceedings and factions maximes of a certaine Priest called Herenzius Roxana glad to entertaine any conveniency that might instruct her farther in the Mysteries of these unlucky times although many things she had read of Herenzius violent spirit told Creses that as no language proceeding from his lips could prove tedious to any eare how ignorant soever so did she not doubt but the consequence of the present affaires required rather ample stories then short descriptions which gave him a sufficient warrant to use his own pleasure both for
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
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
being a Commander in his brothers Army In this manner these two threatning forces approached each other delay seemed too passive a quality to be practized in either of their intentions which soon brought them together to exercise their enraged spleenes that procured an encounter no lesse horrid then couragious since one side contended revenge shame and valour against oppression pollicy and power however in conclusion poore Austratiuâ— having beheld the slaughter in a manner of all his souldiers in defence of his person himselfe still fighting for his sisters right was taken prisoner by his enemies But notwithstanding this glorious victory that seemed absolutely to cast the faire Orbella into Orestes bosome and he prepared with the open armes of his imagination to embrace her yet as he was at dinner one day in his tent encompassed about with multitudes of Nobility he was suddenly saluted by a dainty damosell about the age of thirteen who with a confident bashfulnesse not onely presented him a letter but told him she had also a commission to wish him to read it aloud which if he refused she would publish the contents thereof to his greater dishonour Whereupon Orestes with a disdainfull smile to be so tutor'd by an innocent girle although he could not but be a little amazed at the adventure in a kind of hasty passion broke open the seale and found the lines speak this language Orestes let it suffice that the hand that wrote this Letter pretends to as high a prerogative in blood as thy selfe though the name of the person be unsubscribed for some reasons however it is sufficient thou art the Injurer and I am ordained to be the revenger unlesse thy valour defend thee from the punishment by protecting thy selfe bravely against thy enemy since I am an ominous messenger sent by the heavens to call thee to an account concerning the injuries of wrong'd Alciana whose dying soule was by accident breathed into my bosome after she had made a large relation of her own sufferings and thy perjuries Whereupon I vow'd thy destruction or my own wherefore prepare thy selfe to meet me the day after to morrow ready armed in the Island between the Town and the Army where there shall be no partiality in our weapons although cowardly thou mayst pretend it in our qualities unlesse thou wilt procure thy certain destruction by some other stratagem I shall invent if thou refuse this equall way of triall prescribed thee to thy eternall infamy Farewell After that Orestes had read this strange and resolute Letter in the presence of all the Company who wondred at the accident some with jeering smiles and others with distracted looks he retired into the innermost part of his Tents with an intention to aske counsell of his troubled thoughts what answer he should make to the challenge and faine hee would have flattered himselfe with reasons in the behalfe of his approaching marriage to have denied or avoided the combat being stung with the sharpnesse of the injury he had done to the faire Alciana but his honour as he believed called him to a more noble resolution especially since the summons was delivered him before the eyes of all the brave spirits of Syria who would have been glad of his least shew of want of courage since their ambitions could not chuse but envie the dignity of his person that so much out-shined theirs wherefore in a little space he came out from his secret chamber with this answer that although the appearing distance of their qualities might serve as a sufficient priviledge to make him deny what was so rashly demanded yet his own eminent courage as he said could not dispence with the reason and therefore was determined to meet his unknown enemy at the time appointed where he made no doubt but to punish him for his bold attempt and so conducting the little Virgin some way out of the bounds of his own lodgings with order she should be safely guarded through the Army returned to make preparation for the appointed combate where long he had not remained but the King came in person to chide his brother for undertaking so desperate an attempt without his licence and withall laying his present commands upon him not to proceed further in the execution But these blasts were too weake to shake the setled resolutions of Orestes who chose rather to die sighting with an unknown enemy then live disgrac'd among his intimate friends so that falling down upon his knees before his brother he desired him either to suffer him to vindicate his own honour since he had undertaken the combat or he himselfe would be the author of his own destruction to let the world see he was no coward which at last forced the King to give way to his passions though Philostros was very sorry to hazzard his Neeces happiness in so doubtfull a contention Although Orestes in heat of blood had consented as I may say rashly to fight with one whose name was not so much as known however he was supposed to be some Prince of Alciana's kindred yet being retired privately into his own secret Cabinet and the dead of the night raising fancies in his fearfull imagination began to expostulate with himselfe after this manner Is it possible the Gods can suffer me to scape unpunished for those injuries I have done to the more then wronged Alciana much lesse can I hope for victory in this unjust combat can her sweet soule look down from the skies with any eye of forgivenesse when she shall behold me shedding more blood of her Noble Family is it not sufficient that she already hath made her selfe an innocent sacrifice to redeem part of my wickednesse but I must with new slaughter disquiet the rest she now deservedly enjoyes in the Heavens O rather let me die by mine own accursed hand wherein I shall perform an act of justice since I am onely he that hath offended then hazzard the death of one who brings with him as little guilt as the dead Alciana No no I will not be a mortall enemy to him that professeth so absolute a friendship to my deare Love but rather confesse my selfe twice overcome both by his goodnesse and valour so shall I appeare to the world more just though lesse fortunate And for Orbella with all her beauties and honours I shall return again to her great Uncle who can give her not onely protection but dignity Whilst I will again wed my selfe to dead Alciana These were the imaginations that entertained the thoughts of Orestes during the solitary season of the night untill the chearfull morning not only gave his mind some courage but brought into his chamber the gallant Commanders of his brothers Army who breathed nothing into his sad soule but inflamed desire and certain victory that again something setled his despairing thoughts so that presently he gave order for his Armes and whilst hee was beholding divers of sundry sorts Philostros accompanied with many Officers of the Court
walls or to perish in the attempt Wherefore one night having before acquainted the chiefe Commanders with his designe and given a false alarâ—m to the adversaries campe he issued out of the Town with most of the Nobility in which posture he set upon Philostros quarters with so much violence and courage that he not onely committed a slaughter worthy of such a resolution but had infallibly taken the Favourite prisoner if he had not been prevented by the valour of a Knight in white armour who defended his tent with so much courage that both his forces were repulsed and himselfe in danger to be slaine since he lost his head-piece in the conflict which notwithstanding added wings to the fiercenesse of the fight for both parties enflamed with the desire of victory the one to make good the progresse they had industriously made in the Syrian Army and the other to regain what they had as they conceive shamefully lost appeared desperate of their lives the horrour was also increased by the darknesse of the night leaving no conveniency for defence and this in like manner became augmented by the accidentall burning of Oâ—sames Camp in regard the souldiers had no leisure to quench the fire for the hard imployment the Aegyptians gave them These accidents called forth in a manner the whole power of Memphis supposing the siege had been finished by the seeming successe of their party leaving onely the women in the interim to guard the walls but Philostros finding the desperate condition of the Kings Army if a prevailing resistance were not made when he had secured Orsames person by a strong guard he commanded upon pain of death that no man should imploy his endeavours to extinguish the fire in the Camp since as he thought it had been kindled by some traytors in the army to give his souldiers imployment whilst the enemy might become victorious yet he promised them all reparation in their losses after they had valiantly repulsed the Aegyptians who as hee said were but a handfull of men in comparison of Orsames powerfull Army with these words the assembly of many brave Troops to attend upon his person he suddenly assailed Osirus as it were triumphing in his successe in so much as he was forced to give back with a greater slaughter then was convenient for his purpose or the defence of the Town though he supposed that night to have made an end of the siege for finding that not onely his expectation was deceived but his fortunes began to change he caused the retreat to be sounded the rather because the approaching day as he conceived would endanger the losse of his whole forces since the enemy farre out-numbred his power having no disadvantage but the night season Osiris being again retired within the walls of Memphis and having taken a generall muster of his people by which he found himselfe uncapable of more sallies he resolved from thence forward onely to defend the bulwarkes with his best policy whilst in the mean time Orsames also fell to the spade which not only proved something tedious to many brave spirits of both sides but gave occasion of divers private combats wherein were performed acts of honour and delight though it was noised in the Town the white Knight that had disarmed Osirus appeared to be the most perfect Cavaliere The Princess Cloria that had now a long time been happily freed from the unpleasant Courtship of Osirus retired for her more delight one day into a private Gallery belonging to her own lodgings which was furnished with so many rare pieces that the diversity of objects could not but give imployment and recreation to the most dull eyes much more to those that were beautified with so much naturall curiosity as hers were she had not before this had any knowledge of the place being onely perswaded thither by the importunity of a seeming officious servant that belike had onely the protection of the room who presently notwithstanding left her alone to converse privately with her own delights The first picture proved a subject for her serious consideration for it was the dolefull representation of the Story of Philomela's ravishment by her unnaturall and cruell brother in law wherein she not onely with two or three sad sighs seemed to compassionate the injured Lady but with a little apprehension reflected upon her own state being also in the power of an inflamed Lover whilst she remained as it were transported with diversity of thoughts that were capable to disquiet the gentle bosome of a young virgin of a sudden she might heare one to unlock a certain secret doore behind her which till then she had not perceived to be in that part of the Gallery so that the feares that formerly had been ingendred in her imagination by the pittifull object she beheld encreased in her being without any manner of company and this gave her as she believed not onely cause to wish her selfe In her own chamber but to be absolutely suspicious of her present safety since she knew not well where she was though her terror was grounded upon no other reason then such as children use to have when they goe in the dark imagining every noyse to be some frightfull thing But long she had not expected the issue in the mean time making haste to the doore where she had entered but she became distractedly satisfied of what she most doubted for Osirus appeared suddenly to her view like some horrid vision apparrelled in black that threaâ—ned by a confused apprehension a sad Omen to her present condition yet his habit was beset with divers Diamonds resembling so many Starres that endeavoured to give light to a dark Firmament The Princess as I said thus surprized by him she most feared when she thought her selfe freest from all interruption it was a question whether doubt or amazement layed strongest hold of her senses though the last passion at length obtained the greater prerogative by her too much consideration so that she remained like Pigmalions beautifull image that wanted both life and motion Thus fixed she stood untill Osirus after some time of seeming admiration of her perfections which he used as a fitting complement began to make his addresses as to a faire statue but she as it were carried onely with a certain instinct of hatred or at leastwise dislike since for the present she had lost her chiefe faculties oâ— reason that should have managed her comportment strived as fast to retire backward until his too hasty pursuit compelled her to make use of her dainty legs to avoyd his importunity like the flying Daphne from Apollo which for some space afforded a delightfull spectacle if any had been there to have beheld it seeing the grave Prince with earnestnesse chase the fearfull Lady though he thought it a derogation to his dignity to haste his steps much beyond the custome of his usuall walke for that it was the fashion of his Country to seem moderate in every triviall affaire
paid for the bold attempt This brought Osiris ready armed to warrant his guards Commission So that the knight was forced to retire back into the hall not so much to give way to the fury of his stroake as perceiving him to be the Prince by his owne language to have the more space conveniently to fight in the Hall since he found himselfe shut up in a straight entry never till then began a combat worth the beholding for as Osiris seemed to contend for the defence of his Castle knowing them by their own confession to be Orsames Souldiers so the Captaine as it were by the provocation of honour strived by force of Armes to make him his prisoner being the chiefe Prince of the Countrey since the glory of the victory appeared onely to consist in such a conquest as himself beleeved whilst in the meane time his other followers pursued the rest of the guard round about the Fort untill they had absolutely rendred them subjects of their wrath or objects of their mercy and thus continued these confused slaughters and fearefull cryes of dying and veilding persons to the astonishment of poore Cloria whose eyes had not beene often acquainted with such spectacles till the dwarfe Roxana had sent to informe Orsames of their Captivity appeared suddenly at their backes and almost as soon informed them not onely of the successe of his enterprize in the Army but withall told them that it was Narcissus that for the present combated with Osiris Then the Princesse began again to be possessed with some new feares as doubting the issue of the fight since shee beheld both their armours alike besprinkled with bloud which caused her a little to withdraw her sight by the interposition of a certaine curtaine that covered the windows however not being able long to withhold her curious though distracted lookes from that fearful object as shee conceived after some more time looking againe into the hall she might behold Osiris fall downe before the conquering sword of brand Narcissus who presently notwithstanding made hast to him with seeming wings of charity and compassion and soone unlaced his Head-plece with intention to give him some refreshing ayre as the most necessary meanes to call him againe out of his founding that appeared to his apprehension the next neighbour unto death Osiris after he had recovered a new life by this courtesie fixed his eyes stedfastly upon him as if however in a manner he disdained all assistance in that nature untill at last in an appearing passion he uttered these words Is it possible the gods can thus envy my fate as not onely to make me a base captive in my owne Castle but to necessitate my fortunes to such a condition as to render me needfull of an enemies favour nay rather said he let me dye a thousand times in the height of your cruelties and my owne misfortune then presently shut his eyes againe as if he hated the dayes light though as it mighe be thought more for his conceived disgrace to be so overcome then for the losse of his liberty and prosperity however Narcissus commanded his Officers instantly to beare the wounded Prince to his chamber without any other reply then that his condition required patience and not passion which absolutely made up the full period of his fortunate glory to the amazed content of his most beautifull love but Cloria being perswaded by Roxana to give Narcissus a visit in the Hall since that was the honourable Theater where he had acted so valiant a part for her delivery shee hasted in her resolutions to that wished entertainment which diverted other considerations however Narcissus not so cold in his love to his faire Mistresse after he had disposed of Osirus to safe custody with a strict command for his noble usage and a diligent care to be had of his wounds made what haste he could up into the Princesse chamber as to the Temple where he intended to offer his first sacrifice after his Victories which was the occasion they both met upon the staires Narcissus when he beheld the onely Goddesse of his heart had much adoe to abstaine from open Idolatry however his congue could not forbeare these expressions when he had sealed his owne welcome with his longing lips upon her white hand Most excellent Princesse said he the onely hope of my life and the very life of all my hopes whose goodnesse and beauty are such parallels of perfection that heaven and earth seeme to have conspired in your Birth since by the one you conquer the world as by the other you do more then prevaile with the divine powers And yet said Cloria you seemed to challenge a great prerogative in my love when you durst expresse in your Letter to Osirus your interest to my person and affection in so bold a stile and language without my privacy and allowance which might have cost me deare if your fortune had not beene better then your temper At which reproofe Narcissus fearing he had exasperated the Princesse anger by that declaration began with trembling and distracted words to make an apology for that presumption But mercifull Cloria when shee had conducted him into her owne chamber and there for some time entertained him with a pretty smile onely enjoyned him for his pennance the relation of his adventures since shee left him at her mothers Court in the habit of Aminta yet considering what a discovery unawares shee had made to Roxana's knowledge shee could not chuse but grow red whilest her Governesse look't her in the face with some wonder to heare of the name of Aminta her owne servant and Narcissus her mistresse lover to be the same person This made the Princesse blush with the more violence till at last the riddle was unfolded by her selfe since it could not be any longer kept secret however with a conjuration to her Governesse never to divulge it to any person living But having appeased all these differences at last Narcissus whom shee onely blamed for the act began his story in this manner After said he the newes of your strange losse was spread through your Mothers Coart and so consequently over all the Island of Cyprus which left no corner without griefe and sorrow I resolved presently to change my disguise and search you in every place that could afford any probability of your aboade And first it came into my imagination that you might be voluntarily retired into Lydia to accompany your Father in his necessities however that was but a fancy to all knowing judgements since you would before the determination have made the Queene acquainted with your resolution who rather believed that some love conspiracy betweene us two had made you privately quit the Countrey but as both I and others supposed we knew not what so I went I knew not where till at last by a rough Journey at Sea I arrived upon the Coast of Caria with an intention to enquire whether or no you made your aboade in
other side can you possibly conceive that after so many testimonies of disaffection from Euarchus the King he will be ever brought to be either entire for the Souldiers advantage or be weaned from that affection without reason he hath alwayes expressed to be in his nature for his false and ungratefull country men the Myssians in like manner with what confidence can we any more trust the actions of the wealthy City of Sardis when as they did not only refuse to open their purses to our occasions in our greatest necessities but denyed us enterance into their Towne by the perswasion of those Senators that we have now sent to banishment These things being granted to be true the next consideration ought to be had of the remedy for future prevention In the first place to compasse our designes and procure our security we must endeavour to joyne with a prevailing party in the Senate or at leastwise make them so by the Souldiers power who may passe an absolute decree to have no more Treaties with the King in regard that those hopes and feares doe not a little distract the whole Kingdome from relying absolutely upon our commands and jurisdiction as you know most necessary for the peoples safety in the next place we are totally to suppresse the interest of Dimogoras for the present and the Nobillities priviledges in the future which as I must tell you keep up such an opinion amongst all sorts of people concerning their greatnesse and stabillity that it will be a very difficult matter to act any thing either for the Kingdomes good or the Armies advantage Lastly we must not only drive the Myssian Commissioners out of our Country who only wait occasions to suck up all the benefit to themselves and Nation which the Lydians at any time shall either fight or toyle for but in some terrifying way or other procure money from the Citizens of Sardis whereby to give just and fitting content to those faithfull and loving Souldiers that have fought so many bloudy Battels and obtained multitudes of signall victories in their Countreyes behalfe against their numerous enemies Though Farezius by reason of his melancholly and silent nature made no great reply at the present to those reasons that had been delivered yet it was not many dayes after their arrivall at Sardis before an absolute decree passed the Senate that not only there should be no more Treaties or addresses made unto Euarchus concerning any agreement either in the generall or particular but it was also ordered that it should be esteemed a crime of a most high consequence for any person so much as to make tender of any proposition to that effect to the rest of the Senators there assembled which resolution was quickly published over the whole Kingdome of Lydia by a formall proclamation Of the other side Dimogoras finding both his interest in the Army and his credit with the Senators did not any way suit with his ambition and expectation upon the very apprehension as t was thought of these apparant disgraces in a very few dayes ended his life in this world however there were some that not only gave it out but believed that he had been poysoned to prevent a farther trouble and danger to the Kingdome This also gave occasion to Prince Cassianus within a very short time after to quit personally the Country of Lydia as perhaps supposing now his chiefe friend and Favourite Dimogoras was gone and the rest of the Lords not being in a capacity to support his honour and designes against the Souldiers in the Princesse Clorias behalfe it was to little purpose any longer to prosecute his pretended love Neverthelesse the Nobillity with many other of the Senators of the same faction prepared themselves to give the body of Dimogoras most stately and glorious Funerals To this intent when the day came all attired in black they met the corps with a world of ceremony and so conducted it through a multitude of people to the place ordained for that purpose where being placed according to the custome of other Generalls the flames quickly consumed the pyles whilst that which was immortall had a farther account to give concerning his actions and thoughts during his life When the Princesse Cloria understood of this strange and unexpected law not only pronounced in the Senate but published all over the Kingdome she began now to repent her of her too much beliefe given to the Kings enemies notwithstanding any perswasion whatsoever she had entertained in her thoughts and consequently had more cause a great deale to doubt her owne security having no other defence left her but what she could gather from the faithfull and wise Councells of her intrusted governesse Roxana which was the occasion that one day having for the most part spent her whole store of passion she used this kinde of despairing discourse unto her Truly Roxana said she as there might be noted at first a strong jealousie amongst the Souldiers by the strict gard set upon the Kings person so this last action makes me feare that there is some prevailing designe as well against our liberties as his dominion which we shall be scarce able to prevent by any industry or assistance for as I cannot rely much upon the Lords power by reason they have altogether lost their authority by severing their interests at the first from their Princes prerogative nothing but to comply with their own ambition and spleen so is there as little to be hoped for from the endeavours of this great and rich City of Sardis considering their late carriages when Farezius with his triumphant Army not only entered their Walls without resistance but were content to receive his absolute commands without the least dispute belonging to their long enjoyed priviledges never as yet questioned by any former Prince or power these representations being knowne and granted to be the effects of the late transactions what probabilities remaine for the recovery of my fathers rights though it should be opinionated that we our selves were out of all danger personally since the Kings party appears not to have either abillity or will to doe him good And Lydia being strongly united under the present jurisdiction what forraigne industry and endeavour soever can worke any considerable effects to his advantage considering the many brave Vessels and shipping that are alwayes ready for defence and resistance upon the Carian and Ionian shoares to oppose either sudden invasion or continued hostility When Roxana had for some time rested silent with teares in her eyes she returned her this answer Lady said she you must then give me leave to blame your superstitious modesty as I may call it in not suffering your Uncle Orsames to have performed those ceremonies belonging to your Nuptials at Memphis which perhaps in part if not totally would have prevented these inconveniences Indeed Governesse replyed the Princesse although perhaps you esteeme those decorâ—ms of fitting duty which I shall be ever ready to render