having expressed a great content they desired him then since the time and place were so convenient to discharge the injunction that was laid upon him by Demetrius to communicate to them the passages of his life which knowing he ought not to refuse being seated he began in this manner Continuation of the Story of Prince DEMETRIUS YEsterday by the command of the noble Synesius I was entred into this discourse when we were by a sudden accident interrupted but not so far advanced therein that I shall need to make any repetition only I must renew my request That the person whose actions I am to relate may not suffer through my want of expressions for though I am able to give a faithful account of every particular passage yet I cannot set them off with that advantage of language which should give them their proper lustre However not to transgress too much with an apologie I shall without farther circumstance proceed The Grecian Emperors having either by conquest or alliance gotten the possession of many large and spacious dominions trusting in the vastness of their own power so miserably oppressed their subjects with taxes and insupportable burthens that they grew weary of their yoke But above all the people inhabiting the Islands and Provinces bordering upon the sea though they were not subdued by the sword but by a marriage with the rightful Princess thereof annexed to the Imperial crown suffered such violation both of their laws and liberties that being no longer able to support that tyrannical government by a general consent they resolved to free themselves from so cruel a slavery and having addressed their complaints to the renowned Polidor Prince of Achaia chose him for their General who in compassion undertaking their protection by his great valour and wisdom not only delivered them from their oppressions but established them a free State which in short time grew so mighty that it stood upon equal terms of defiance with the Emperor himself and grew even a terror to all the neighbouring Nations Which great successes rendred Polidor so beloved and popular that the people were ready to deliver up agen into his hands that liberty which with such eagerness they had pursued and though he had not the title of King he enjoyed in effect all the prerogatives and priviledges of Soveraignty Besides to shew their gratitude in case he should dye they declared his young son Demetrius the Prince my master then an Infant their General Thus being in his cradle destined to the war his Genius so suited to his destiny that in his childhood his only pass-times were martial exercises and when he had attained to the age of fourteen years he always accompanied the Prince his father in the Army where not withstanding the care and diligence that was nsed to prevent him he would many times go out upon occasions and performed actions so far above his years that they were the admiration of those that were about him But lest this forwardness should at some time or other hazard him too far the Prince though he would not absolutely check his inclinations thought fit to place some one of trust about his person that might have a care of his preservation and though I was not then above nineteen years of age he was pleased to repose that confidence in me believing perhaps that being of noble birth and not very much elder then himself I might the easilier gain upon his affections as a companion and by that means have a power to perswade him to any thing Neither was the Prince deceived in his opinion For I knew so well upon all occasions to manage his humour that in a short time I was so much in his esteem that he would do nothing either of recreation or serious without me but I could when I pleased with as much ease divert him from any rash design as he was apt of himself to engage in any action of honour and I have been so happy that as he grew in years the affection which he bore me then hath still more increased insomuch that I have not only been privy to all the actions of his life but I believe very few of his thoughts have been concealed from me Two Summers passed in this manner during which time he performed many gallant exploits upon the enemy sometimes as a private person and sometimes as chief of a considerable party But the third Prince Polidor thinking it time to make the early vertue of his son known to the world entrusted him with the command of an Army designed for the assistance of Philocles Prince of Thessaly by the Emperor dispossessed of his Country And though Philocles main Army through a precipitate haste to fight were unfortunately defeated before Demetrius could come to joyn with him and himself forced to flie for safety Hydaspes his brother against whose advice he had engaged having rallied about a thousand horse of the scattered Troops before the Enemy was aware passed a river and by diligent marching came safe to our Army bringing himself the first certain news of his brothers defeat This stoped Demetrius intended course and made him immediately enter into councel what new design to go upon Some would have continued their march to find out the Imperial army and to give them battel but that was thought vain because we were far inferior in number and the Emperor by his late victory having cleered those parts was marched to joyn in person with those Forces that were already sent against the Persians Others proposed to take that advantage to make an inroad into Philocles Country and to seise upon some strong places there But that was rejected because if they should take any they could not spare Forces to man them and so by consequence they would presently be lost again When Demetrius having with attention heard all said No let us neither follow an Enemy that marches away from us nor lose time in taking of places that cannot be kept The Emperor not supposing we have an army considerable enough to annoy his dominions is gone towards the borders to prevent the invasion of the Persians by an invasive war so that the way lies open before us even to Constantinople the chief City of the Empire which though perhaps we shall not take yet the attempt is glorious and it is more honor to strike a terror into the heart then to wound any other member This proposition was generally applauded not only as the gallantest but as the wisest thing that could be undertaken Wherefore the whole Army which consiâ—ted not of above twenty thousand men the word being given immediately faced about and by the encouragement of the General made such long marches that in a short time almost as soon as notice could be given of their approach they were before the wals of Constantinople If nothing were more attempted Demetrius had already obtained his end for his approach struck such a general terror not only into the inhabitants but
of his greatest and so powerful an enemy But his return to his Souldiers was so seasonable that at the same time they were ready to give way to the assailants but reanimated with his presence on the contrary forced them to retire Wherefore intending a fair composition and an honorable retreat he sounded a Parley and went himself to the battlements to declare his intentions were not to use any farther violence but without any the least damage to quit the City When day beginning to appear though so as things were scarcely distinguishable he perceived by the Ensigns that he was attacqued by Hydaspes forces wherefore he only cryed out to them Tell Prince Hydaspes who hath gallantly forced his way thus far that Demetrius is advanced hither to meet him and will immediately set open the gates to receive so noble a friend Whereupon his voice being known by some of the principal Officers there was an unspeakable joy amongst them all which when they met was expressed by a general shout and acclamations on either side and the Princes having embraced Demetrius though his heart returned into the Palace thinking it necessary for the preservation of the Army to unite his forces marched towards the chief Market place which Hydaspes told him Telamon had possessed and that thereupon he was advanced with three thousand men to attempt the Palace which they conceived had still held out But as he was marching away turning about to behold those walls that enclosed his incomparable Mariana a Damsel of a most exquisite beauty having a small Casket under her arm in the habit of a slave came running towards him and almost breathless with her cheeks bathed in tears prostrating herself at his feet besought him by the love he bore to vertue by the reverence he ought the Gods and as he was desirous by their protection to obtain a noble fame to take compassion on the sufferings of a distressed Captive who amongst many other grievous calamities was at length reduced to an ignominious slavery and had no hope of freedom but by the generosity of so noble a Prince Demetrius was not a little surprised at so wonderful an object for such a dazeling beauty appeared through that cloud of sorrow that he thought he never beheld any thing more excellent but his most excellent Mariana Wherefore raising her gently from the ground he assured her if the hazard of his dearest blood could contribute any thing to her repose she might give an intermission to her griefs for when he once understood what way he might afford her relief he should not think any enterprise impossible in the assistance of so rare a creature and that in the mean while she might rest secure upon his word that he would sooner transgress the sacred ordinances of the divine powers then suffer any violence to approach her person Wherewith seeming a little comforted she said Upon that noble pawn I deliver my self and honour into your protection and that preserved dispose of this miserable life as you please Then immediately calling me to him Here Lysander said he I dare trust to thee my own life and in that confidence commit to thy care till these disorders are a little over the safeguard of this excellent Maid whose preservation I charge thee to be as tender of as thou wouldst be of mine or thine own honour I confess I was not a little pleased with so worthy a charge Therefore with great submission approaching to her she rested her hand upon my arm and we continued our march towards that quarter where Telamon lay with the rest of the army But when we came to the market place we found him engaged in a hot conflict with the enemy who when the day approached rallied their forces and made a gallant attempt to recover their lost city and indeed had forced Telamon to give ground but when they saw a fresh supply come to him their hearts absolutely failed them and casting away their weapons they yielded at discretion to our mercy Whereupon Demetrius instantly commanding all actions of hostility to cease called for the Governor who being brought into his presence he spake to him in this manner I believe no neglect of yours hath caused the surprisal of this noble City you appear a person worthy so great a trust as the command of that place which is the residence of the Empress Theodosia and those excellent Princesses her daughters therefore into your hands I deliver it agen there shall no violence be offered to the inhabitants nor to any thing that belongs to them And all that I require of you is That you tell Andronicus the Emperor from Demetrius the son of Polidor his mortal enemy that he could as easily and with more justice have laid desolate this metropolitan City than he deteins the Country and patrimonial inheritance of Prince Philocles but if he continue his oppression that we now know the way to Constantinople and in his own Palace shall force him to a due surrender or bury him in the ruines of it Then not suffering any reply looking back once more upon the Palace and sighing to himself the name of Mariana he immediately gave the word to march and having appointed a chariot for the stranger Captive commanding her to be attended with all manner of observance in a short time we arrived at Sparta the capital City of the United Provinces where Demetrius was recived with a general applause and acclamations both by the States and common people but especially by Polidor who gloried more in this one exploict of his son then in all the actions of his own life Insomuch that if being deprived of the presence of the incomparable Mariana he had been capable of any content he might have enjoyed a perfect felicity but he was so far from esteeming his condition happy that he believed himself the most miserable man living Nevertheless his afflictions made him not forget his respects to the stranger Virgin but having according to her desire placed her in a private condition with the Queen of Macedon mother to Philocles who being driven out of her own country lived there retired she received from her being a Lady of incomparable goodness and humanity towards strangers such extraordinary demonstrations of kindness that though her griefs were so pressing that they were not to be forgotten nevertheless she found some relaxation for them at the present yet Demetrius could find no intermission of his own but on the contrary by unexpected accidents was so traversed in the designs of his new affection that he grew almost desperate of any future happiness Lysander had continued his discourse but that a servant came in haste to give notice that the Prince being awake called for him and would not be satisfied but with his presence Wherefore Alexandro giving him many thanks for what he had already related and expressing an impatience to hear the rest they all returned together into the house and would have visited
various thoughts that they little enjoyed the benefit thereof Himself calling to remembrance the several accidents that had befallen in so short a time could not but make strange conjectures of the event and the violence offered to Philocles was no small affliction but above all his imagination wrought most upon the adventure of the strange Knight for sometimes he conceived he perfectly knew him and then agen was as far from that conceit as from the remembrance where that knowledge should begin On the other side Demetrius not heeding his disease languished in the hopes of a future happiness embracing a shadow instead of a substance and sacrificing an ocean of tears to a Picture that was insensible of his complaints But the Knight suffered agonies too great for any breast to contain but his that was fortified with so much vertue Yet that vertue was so violently assaulted with vehement passions that the force thereof sometimes transported him into most bitter complaints and at the time knowing none were neer but his faithful Squire Eruillius he brake out in this manner Wretch that thou art wert thou only made great to be exposed to the greatest of all miseries Have the Gods that favoured thy birth with so much happiness so soon forsaken thee Or else to shew the infiniteness of their power made such a sudden change in thy condition Yet if they remain just why have they chosen thee for a subject of their anger that hast scarce lived days enough to commit sins answerable to their punishments Or if the guilt lie in our family and through a secret providence vengeance were reserved only to these times have not the sufferings of my Royal parents yet satisfied your wrath Will you still persecute them and be nothing mercifull to me Or if by destiny I were involved in the same fate is it not enough that my infancie was exposed to all the barbarisms of a cruel war That my daily pass-times were interrupted with mournfull spectacles of the blood and slaughter of my dearest friends That I could never advance any but to certain ruine And that those who were born to be my Subjects use all manner of stratagems and force for my destruction But to add to all these and at once to cut off all possibilities of a future happiness have you likewise deprived me of the divine Theophania Heap afflictions upon my parents deprive them of their Empire and me of my succession destroy my friends let the designs of the people prevail against me and besides those at home raise up foreign Nations to be my enemies so you restore to me agen that innocent Virgin Let me enjoy her and though the whole world oppose me I shall not doubt to vanquish their malice We were in our infancie bred together and nothing could have separated us but a gâ—â—eral ruine and whensoever we meet agen it will I doub not bring a general ruine to all our adversaries Oh Theophania if thou beest yet in the world why doest thou not hear my complaints and hearing them find some means or other to afford me relief Or if thou art retired to the mansion of the Gods why doest thou not by thy intercession procure my deliverance from such a world of miseries But I am assured thou livest for otherwise my soul hath such a sympathie with thine that it could not long remain behind besides immediately after thy birth the Oracle declared to thy Nurse who was curious to enquire after thy fate that thou shouldst live to be the mother of many Kings and if it were not for this assurance I would with my own hands soon release it out of this vild prison I would tear off these bands and swathes and not suffer so many plaisters and medicines only to prolong a miserable life Yes yes Thou livest Theophania and Alexandro lives to be thy Champion who will not leave any part of the habitable world unsought for thee and no coâ—ner or desert of the earth shall conceal thee from him but in despight of all opposition he will at length place thee by him upon the Imperial throne of this Island where we will triumph over the persecutors of Princes and the Kings that descend from us shall remain a perpetual terror to their posterity Ervillius who besides the pain of his wounds bore so great a part in his Masters sufferings that he enjoyed but little rest plainly overheard all that he said yet knowing that the best way to asswage his passion was not to interrupt the course thereof remained silent and Alexandro after infinite transportations both of grief and anger his spirits being at length wasted sleep seised upon his senses giving some intermission to the anguish of his mind and the cool distillations of the morning which then began to appear yielding a general refreshment to mens bodies Ervillius likewise fell into a sound repose But if waking Alexandro endured all the torments of an afflicted mind sleeping he enjoyed all the pleasures that imagination could afford For the Idea of her whom his heart adored appeared to him in a more pefect shape then ever he had beheld her and with a pleasing countenance approached neer to him holding in her right hand a naked sword and delivering it to him said The Gods Alexandro have destined me to be thine and though I am now deteined from thee by the cruel persecutors both of my life and honour with this thou must make thy way to me through a multitude of enemies Whereupon immediately awaking and having seised upon his own sword which stood ever ready drawn at his bed-side seeing it in his hand he believed it more then a dream and began to cry out Yes my Theophania with this I will force my way to thee and through a sea of our enemies blood swim to thy embraces But as he uttered these speeches his ears being strucken as from the next room with the heavenly sound of a most excellent harmonious voice which he believed to be the very same of his Theophania he began to be confirmed in the reality of the appaâ—ition and lying quietly down agen upon his pillow as in a trance was exceeding attentive when to the ravishing touch of a Lute with wonderfull admiration he heard these ensuing words Great Jove in thee all power doth rest To make men wretched or else blest But in our selves it doth remain Our lives unspotted to maintain And never yet a vertuous mind Though kingdoms have hath ere declin'd Then if my Love do live To him this comfort give That whilst our lives and hearts are pure Midst all our foes we 're still secure This ended he lay still a while with his cheeks all bathed in tears then gently raising himself opened his arms to embrace her whom his fancie represented to him in the chief perfection of her beauty but after he had recollected himself finding he embraced nothing but empty air and that it was only a meer illusion he burst out agen
Chastities may be preserved inviolate The holy residences of these Votaries remain protected from the rapine of your souldiers and the sacred Temple of our Goddess not be prophaned or polluted by the irreligious contemners of her Deity Otherwise rather then to suffer our own dishonor or to be the wretched spectators of any impious violence which may be offered to that Heavenly Image in contempt of your power we come thus prepared both to prevent your tyranny and by a voluntary Martyrdom to appease the anger of the incensed Gods When on a suddain and at the same instant both her self and all the rest drawing out of their sleeves short poignards the points whereof they directed against their own breasts pawsing a little in that fatal posture they expected the answer of Heraclins But he without any demur falling presently on his knees and laying one hand on Agnesias poignard besought her that if from him she apprehended any violation of her honor that she would rather by his death secure her fears then through a diffidence of the Conquest her Vertue had made leave his memory infamous to posterity When raising himself up and having a while considered such a multitude of Beauties and in Agnesias person the amassed perfections of the whole multitude You have conquered said he most excellent Lady The Invaders of your Country will henceforth become the Champions of your Liberty and either Theodora shall by remitting the punishment of this late revolt confirm to your Nation their ancient priviledges or I will my self armed in your defence undertake the protection of your cause Return therefore triumphant to the City with your holy Band and recall thither your Prince your Husbands and your friends and despise not their society who by the chance of warr being subdued and through a fear in such occurrences incident to humane nature flying the supposed fury of a Conqueror have lost nothing of their own honor and given such a glorious occasion to the whole world to celebrate the fame of your Heroick vertues which will spread so far that as the Amazonian Queen to raise an issue worthy of her self â—ncited by the report of his matchless Valour through many Regions sought the embraces of the renowned Alexander so the remotest Monarchs of the earth hearing the relation of this noble enterprise will contendingly submit their Crowns to these Virgins that the glory of them may be preserved in their posterity But to your self the great example of so magnanimous an action none must dare to aspire but he who by an invincible vertue shall acquire the Empire of the Universe I know not by what tradition you have received the story of your miraculous Image but Nature hath in your self formed so excellent a shape a beauty so transcendent and the whole composure adorned with such heavenly endowments as if at the same time in villification of the supreme powers she meant to ensnare men in Idolatry But since you so superstitiously reverence the shadow of a Deity I may certainly with less offence adore a mortal deifyed with such real perfections Therefore you may henceforth remain as secure from any attempt by us against your divine person your Patriots or those things which you esteem sacred as the Temples and Altars of your Gods are from being prophaned or destroyed by their own Priests This more then expected Grace abundantly satisfyed Agnesia as concerning the success of her designe But she who preferring her Countries honor above her life came fortifyed with a resolution to defye the strength of a whole army now inspired with gentler thoughts neither mindful of Country nor friends nor the terror of those dangers so lately passed through a compassion of her self desired to live yet not to live unless pittyed by that enemy whose power she had before despised And though Heraclius had sufficiently discovered the passions of his mind yet innocent love ignorant how to extract any assured hopes out of artificial expressions though she thought he had given her attributes far exceding her merit yet imputing all to Courtship she could hardly believe he was an affectionate lover and when through a self kindnes she would have interpreted his words in favour of her desires the remembrance of Theodoras greatnes and the fame of their contracted vowes so confounded those imaginations that rage dispair and emulation with an united strength combating the sole support of a vertuous minde if Honor and Chastity had not repelled the fierceness of their invasion would perhaps have forced a yielding to those violent transportations But Reason being now agen placed in its proper sphere with a heart full of generous thoughts and the beams darted from her eys dissipating all cloudes of discontent like a triumphing Conqueror to secure a submissive enemy from his fears she first threw away her mortal weapon and then thus replyed Theodora's insatiate ambition of rule will be soon satisfied through your generosity for to be thus vanquished all Nations will esteem as a certain foundation of their liberty unless through the fond opinion of a servile loyalty by suffering your vertue to be made the instrument of her tyrannical oppression you stain the glory of your Conquests However if you so dispose of us we must now to her render a passive obedience but I believe the Immortal Juno who in compassion of our long sufferings inspired you with such a generous clemency hath likewise chosen you to be the Author and preserver of our future felicity and remember that Agnesia though a feeble Virgin deserted by her father and his people armed with a resolution to despise the power of Theodora though supported by the prowess of Heraclius yielded not her self as her slave but the sole prize of his incomparable Vertue When blushing that she had said so much yet continuing her speech on a suddain upon the side of a hill descending into the plain their appeared advancing towards them a numerous Army for Conar having collected together his scattered Troops and being besides animated with a fresh supply of his confederates returned to the City but finding it desolate and supposing the Sicilians by the advantage of his absence had led his daughter and the inhabitants into captivity inraged with the disgrace he resolved either to free them agen or else to perish in the enterprise and their march being likewise perceived by the Sentinels from the Castle of Oristagnuns the Commanders not attending any order fearing a surprisal issued out with a considerable force to the defence of their General which moving a jealousie on either side of some intended stratagem yet each party apprehending even more then death it self to be thought guilty of so vile a treachery they awhile gazed upon each other without uttering a word but Heraclius fearing his men would advance too far lest in an ignorant zeal violence might be offered to the Ladies without any reply hasted to withstand their attempt yet if need were to defend himself from the
with the smoak and the flames that I know not by what mischance have seised upon our Chamber she is almost stifled and if by chance sitting up late I had not the sooner perceived it she had undoubtedly perished in the fire Which by what they had seen being already affrighted bore such an appearance of truth that none suspecting the deceit they hasted again to Belindas appartment where by their diligence Artemia soon recovered her sense and was presently so carefully instructed by Hortensia that not any of them imagined the true cause of her distemper In the mean while when I perceived the Nurses subtile intention and withall heard what he had said to the Ladies I was so altered in my opinion both of her fidelity and address that I was in no further pain for Artemia but conveying my self our of her Lodging under the same disguise that I had entred the distraction was so great that I easily mingled amongst the croud without any danger of suspition The occasion of this uproar was a tumult amongst the Country people who having a little before had a new Tax laid upon them though in it self very easie yet being unaccustomed to such impositions thinking the pressure thereof insupportable they ran in multitudes to Nicosia hoping either through entreaties or fear to force Lysimacus being scarce in possession of his Government to discharge them of that burden and the better to effect their desires knowing the advenues of the City at a certain place where the Wall was decayed entered at that dead time of the night without being perceived either by the Watch which in a time of peace was but slight or any of the inhabitants who slept securely under the protection of their careless guards untill having possessed themselves of the Magazine the Souldiers that escaped their fury gave the alarm which being unexpected was so much the more terrible and the Peasans being by this time Masters of all the Ports none durst stir to make any resistance but the Citizens running distractedly to the Palace had raised the Governor who by their confused relation not understanding rightly the cause of their fears nor perceiving any thing as yet but clamor and disorder assembling his guards stood only in a posture of defence in expectation of the day whilst Calista more apprehensive of danger having raised her daughters intended to retire with them to some place in the Palace that might best secure them from the outrage of any sudden attempt But the flames by this time bursting out from Artemias lodging caused a second confusion at the sight thereof a general cry running amongst them that they were miserably betrayed to an inevitable destruction and they were so possessed with the horror of their present danger that death was the least of their apprehension Nevertheless Lysimacus whose courage had advanced him to eminent honours being accustomed to perils with an unaltered temper endeavoured to allay the tumult and having by his example animated them to a better assurance first gave order to quench the fire and then sent a party of his most resolute men amongst whom I intruded my self towards the chief Market-place where finding none to encounter them they made a stand in expectation of a further order This pause gave me time to retire to my Lodging where being presently armed and well mounted I returned again to the Governor with the offer of my service in this unexpected occasion which he accepting with his usual civility and day by this time appearing I marched out of the Palace to discover the cause of this sudden uproar But before I had passed through one street the party which was first sent out being beaten from their Post by the Rebels fled in such haste and disorder that if I had not happily withstood them in their carreer Lysimacus having so small a force must of necessity have submitted to the licentious will of an incensed rabble but having encouraged them to a second attaque the pursuers began quickly to retire in which action though my service might perhaps merit from the King it was from none but Artemia that I expected the reward whose beauty only was of that power to animate me to such a performance O that she whose outward graces had then so strong an influence to repel the rage of a lawless multitude had not afterward so much vertue within her self to give the Law to the unruly appetite of one single man or rather of an impuissant effeminate Courtier But she being yet guiltless her Champion fighting under the protection of her innocence soon gave those Traitors the chastisement due to their delinquency and afterwards though they compassed not their ends they obtained what they less expected not only a free pardon of their offence but a promise that their complaints should be favourably recommended to the King with which they were so well satisfied that returning again to their several Villages they infinitly extolled the justice and clemency of their Governor This tumult thus appeased Lysimacus spent some daies in rectifying the disorders of the Province that the Government being well settled he might return again to Palermo in which interim though I had frequent access to Artemia yet since the late accident being lodged in Belindas appartment it was impossible to enjoy that privacy of conversation which the united hearts of the chastest lovers are priviledged to desire Wherefore knowing her departure would be sudden and that the air of the Court was not my proper element rather then to be separated from my happiness or by appearing at Palermo to revive the remembrance of my fathers disgraces I resolved publickly to avow our marriage yet doubting Artemia who had ever been bred up in an awfull obedience to her parents being young and timerous would through fear of their displeasure oppose my proceedings without acquainting her with my intentions I went directly to Lysimacus whose many obliging civilities since the suppression of the Rebels encouraged me to reveal my secret first to him With this resolution entring into his Chamber I found him having newly received a Packet from the Court giving order for his removal the next day and before I could find an oportunity to utter my mind taking me by the hand he retired into his Cabinet and after many endearing professions of kindness said If you have been rightly informed of my actions you have no reason to esteem me an enemy of your Family On the contrary as I lamented your fathers fall so I should rejoyce to see you advanced to such a height that you may be above the reach of his persecuters wherefore since your own vertue hath opened you a way to those honors which belong to your birth neglect not the means by pursuing of glory to establish your security and that you may perceive I intend more then a superficial complement peruse this letter and according to the contents judge how forward I shall be by advancing your hopes to confirm
but above all as obliged in commiseration of their sufferings though indeed to have an Army yet on foot for security That the Cyprians till they were reimbursed their charges should not be bound to dismiss their Troops It would be infinitely tedious to relate the several disputes and contestations on either side before Antiochus would yield to these Propositions but we persisted so resolutely in them and were so cordially abetted by the Citizens that at length finding it vain to resist he condescended to all our desires and to shew the confidence he reposed in us puting himself wholly into our hands constituted me Lievtenant General of all the forces in his Dominions with so absolute an Authority that I was no longer a subject but more then a Colleague in the Empire and himself enjoyed onely the Title of a King Having thus attained to that heigth which was beyond the aym of my Ambition presently seising upon all the strong holds and Forts of the Kingdom but especially the Magazines and Navy to be yet more absolute all thoughts of Reformation being now laid aside I raised an Army under pretence that the King repenting his confidence in us upon whom he ought chiefly to relye sought to introduce a foreign Enemy for the re-establishment of his Tyranny Nor ye content having thus devested him of his Power to render him as well contemptible as odious I declared him through natural defects incapable to govern and to compleat my revenge through the occasion of Vitellios favor spared not to cast some aspersions upon Eudoxias honor At this discourse the Prince could not so govern his passions but the blood rising into his face seemed ready to flye forth at every part to vindicate it self from so foul a scandal which Cenodoxius perceiving with a submissive countenance casting his eys upon the earth and with a profound sigh that testified the sorrow of his heart The remembrance said he of these proceedings is no less grievous to my self then they are offensive to you and have been injurious to my Soveraigns Honor but I have been thus punctual in my confession that I might leave nothing to be objected against me and my past crimes not being greater then my present griefs I still hope in the conclusion to reconcile my self agen to your favour He reply'd the Prince that is conscious of so much guilt and can hope for a reconciliation adds to his other faults a presumption unpardonable But proceed without reply for I will be as just in my censure as severe in the prosecution of my revenge Whereupon reassuming his discourse the King said he at last perceiving and too late repenting the error he had committed in conferring so unlimited a power upon a subject began seriously to reflect upon his condition which by his too much facility he believed was almost become desperate His chief Councellors Affrodartus and Evaldus were already made a sacrifice to the publick hate the authority of the Flamens Theodora having taught us that it was not devine without scruple absolutely abollished his friends as suspected removed or apprehending their own danger fled from him all the strength and Treasure of the Kingdom in my hands and nothing wanted to the consummation of his ruine but by sending back the Princess Theophania and declaring war against the Emperor to deprive himself even of all hopes of support Reduced to such extremity to prevent so fatal a mischief with a resolution desperate as fortunes but with a courage great as his birth he resolved if he must perish to perish like himself To secure his Crown and his Countreys peace he was content to be unkinged and he would now be a King again though to the uttermost hazard of both Wherefore departing from Parlermo with a numerous Court under pretence according to the agreementr of conducting the Princess Theophania to the sea-side being a daies journey from the City with a small train he took the rout of where being arrived with the Queen and Princess in safety having proclaimed me and my adherents Traitors he began presently to levy Forces for his own and their defence This was the period of all my wishes and I now applauded the influence of my stars that I should at length come to a contestation worthy of my self for to speak truly though I were content to make use of them those dissimulations and stratagems with which I had proceeded hitherto were arts that in my nature I utterly abhorred But to come to the decision of a pitched battail though the hazard were more the undertaking was more honourable and in conquering a King and then to lay the Conquest at his feet the glory would be infinite Wherefore flattering my self with these Chimerical imaginations having put the Army in a readiness which consisted of fifty thousand foot and ten thousand horse I began to advance towards Cornavij yet being within two daies march of the Kings quarters and understanding by my Scouts that he had not above ten thousand men together seeking only for honour I disdained such an advantage which if I had harbored the same thoughts as most of my adherents I might then have pursued to his final destruction whereas on the contrary knowing his weakness whilst he marched away with that inconsiderable number under feigned pretences I drew farther off giving him all the oportunity himself could desire to assemble his friends who perceiving my slackness and seeing him go on with so undaunted a courage flocked to him in his retreat from all the Provinces of the Kingdom The first Rendezvouz was at Mottingham where Philocles Prince of Thessalie met him though without any aid saving his own valour but at the same time Selindus a Prince of long experience in the Grecian Wars came in with eight thousand foot and two thousand horse so that advancing to Vriconvi the Gates were immediately opened to him the Citizens having at their own charge raised six thousand men gave besides such ample testimonies of their fidelity that considering the commodity of the Haven and if any accident should happen that it lay open to the sea having appointed Ismenus a Souldier of approved trust to be their Governor and Vitellio with five hundred choice horse to be a guard for the Queen he left her and the Princess Theophania there as in a place of undoubted security Then having constituted Selindus his Lieutenant General and Philocles General of the horse himself with all the expedition he could make marched towards where Maxentius a Prince of the blood-Royal received him with five thousand foot well armed and four thousand Lances Fulvio likewise brought six hundred barded horse Petruchio eight hundred Cross-bows Cardenius a thousand horse lightly armed Martianus a thousand expert slingers besides two thousand more armed only with short Swords and Targets of beasts skins and Protomanthius Prince of Bernicia two thousand Archers and eight thousand resolute horse commanded by himself and his four sons the eldest whereof was
not above nineteen years of age yet I must confess both for their vertue and courage the admiration of Armies Besides the forces of these generous Princes there were three thousand Gentlemen the chief flowre of the Nobility who chusing Albinius Julianus and Bernardo three Noble youths the brothers of Maxentius for their Captains served as a peculiar guard for the Kings own person Having thus assembled a considerable power confident in his own strength without regarding my motions he marched into the Province of Coritani and as he advanced daily encreased in numbers But though I had all this while remained in a manner quiet yet I was very carefull to observe his proceedings and being particularly advertised by my spies of all occurrences knowing the advantage was not great on either side having received a fresh supply of ten thousand men from Palermo I advanced upon the same rout he had taken and he being resolute for the encounter staying for me encamped with his whole Army in a large Campagne at the foot of Trapanio having the Mountain for shelter on one side and a small River for defence on the other The Armies being now in sight of each other seeing the advantagious Post of the enemy I thought it impossible to attain them without too evident a hazard and therefore ranging my Batalies stood as in a posture of defiance ready to fight which Antiochus perceiving either impatient of delays or disdaining to be so braved by a Subject passed the River and Selindus like an expert General in the ordering of his men shewed himself worthy of that Authority The King had the advantage of horse both for number and courage being for the most part composed of Gentlemen of the chiefest quality in the Kingdom but my Infantry were both better disciplined and more resolute for the combat To be short both sides shewed such an ardor to meet that they prevented the directions of their Officers and the charge was so furious that they ran together pel mel without any distinction of Commanders and even the King himself fighting in the melle as a common Soldier so that though before the Armies joyned I had given a strict command not to endanger but if it were possible to seize upon his person yet in so general a combustion he ought his preservation only to his own valour shewing such an invincible strength in his arm that the brandishment of his Sword was no less terrible then if Jove himself to support the glory of a triple royalty had armed him with his threefold Dart to the amazement and confusion of his enemies Prince Philocles likewise by his surpassing courage shewed himself animated with the blood of Antiochus and after a brave contest at length totally routed the whole body of our Cavalry but transported with a youthfull ardor was so eager in the pursuit and afterwards his men believing they were absolute victors so abandoned themselves to the plunder of our baggage that in the mean while my rescue commanded by Pratinus charing them afresh made a horrible slaughter amongst the foot which would rather have appeared a massacre if the King having a vigilant eye in every place with the three thousand horse of his guard and a thousand more under the conduct of Prontomanthius had not come oportunely to their rescue But upon his appearance the souldiers who before having seen the fall of Selindus were ready to shrink renewing their vigor the fight began to be bloudy and the victory wavering sometimes enclined to the one side and sometimes to the other When Corinnus a daring Souldier making his way with his sword through the thickest of the Enemy having killed Enaruius the Bearer seized upon the royal Standart which being thrown down had undoubtedly put an end to the dispute if Iurius as bold in his attempt had not by the death of Corinnus recovered that lost Ensigne with which he again raised the courage of his party But once more Fortune seemed inclinable to favour ours when the King spyed me single in a sudden rage spurring on his horse so far engaged himself that he was presently invested round with a yet entire Troop that came to my succour who notwithstanding my order to secure themselves from the fury of his blowes to endeavor the preservation of their own for death attended upon his stroakes and the fire darting from his eyes was no less killing then his sword Nevertheless he must at length have been oppressed with multitudes if the three gallant brothers Albinius Iulianus and Bernardo with the resolute Prontomanthius perceiving the danger of their Prince had not like lightning flown to his aid Albinius first making his way over heaps of dead bodies joyned with the King at the same instant that his horse was killed under him who presently mounting him agen on his own fought himself on foot till with his death he gave the last testimony of his loyalty But Iulianus Bernardo and Prontomanthius having despight of all opposition by this time forced their way through our Troops environing their Soveraign gave some respite to his almost wearyed force yet it was my chance with the force of a batle-axe to throw the young Bernardo on the earth and I was now engaged with Iulianus who fought gallantly to revenge his brothers death when the Kings guards of Cavaliers coming furiously on to their succour ended this cruel conflict by forceing us to retire Nevertheless though they secured the person of the King and carryed off Iulianus and Prontomanthius yet both those latter dyed shortly after of their wounds and the night now coming upon us both sides were rather tyred then either of them victorious Wherefore by a mutual consent sounding a retreat we both drew off uncertain which side had gained the advantage onely this I must confess that what the Enemy onely doubted we absolutely believed and therefore the King retyring to the other side of the river kept the Feild and in the darkness of the night I having rallyed my Troops the best that I could withdrew to Cornavii a strong Town some three hours march from the place of battaile leaving it as yet disputed who bore away the honor of the day which for my part I will not take upon me to decide your selves weighing the circumstances will be the most competent judges On our side the horse were absolutely defeated the baggage taken and many of our choice Commanders besides common Souldiers slain On the other the number of their dead was many more the foot almost either all killed or routed and besides Selindus who commanded in chief under the King and those already named a great number of the Nobility likewise lost their lives Indeed it is true besides the honour of the remaining last in the feild the King the next day seeing no Enemy appeared marched directly towards Palermo the chief fortress of our strength though being within four leagues of the City the principal Burgers who were faithful to my designes
in the same thicket feeding upon such provision as they carried about them and though unarmed every man laying hold of his Sword they made so stout a resistance that many of my companions bear as you see the marks of their valor But at length being hedged in on every side and three of their associates already slain the rest throwing down their weapons yielded themselves all saving that pointing to one who held by half a dozen was stronglyer fettered then all the rest I know not whether to call him more or less then man for though in his defence he shewed a courage more then humane yet so obstinately to resist such a multitude was rather the testimony of a savage fierceness then of a courage guided by reason His looks threatned to devour and when moved by compassion to see so much valour so desperately employed intreating him to yield we offered him his life disdaining our courtesies as assured of the prey he ran more furiousty upon his assailants Nevertheless he was at the length overthrown by his own strength for with a prodigious force directing a blow at my self missing his aim and following his stroke his feet failing he fell to the ground whereupon half a dozen of our most resolute men at the same instant falling upon him he was rather catched as in a toil then taken What himself and his fellows did intend we know not nor were we so over curious to seek to force that from them which they seemed so resolute to conceal but by preventing of danger in bringing them thus captived into your presence we conceive we have performed our duty The Princes exceedingly attentive to this relation with curious eyes observed the comely personage of the valiant prisoner who all this while never lift his eyes from the earth till being asked by Synesius with such civility as might oblige him to a reply what he was With a stern regard he boldly answered A Souldier I suppose no less said he But how came you hither when with a disdainfull smile he replyed Hath not this gallant champion who with his quaint Rhetorick cals valour brutality already told you By the vile cowardise of my companions who basely yielding themselves betrayed me into the hands of this rabble It is not my intent continued Synesius to irritate you with unseasonable or impertinent demands I mean what designes brought you into these Quarters My revenge replyed the Souldier which since I have failed of accomplishing upon my enemies if I did not still retain hopes to satisfie I would presently execute upon my self Whereupon Alexandro steping forward said so great a courage ought not to be vanquished by despair if your quarrel be just you shall not want the liberty in a noble way to prosecute your revenge nor yet friends that will readily embrace your cause But before we proceed any farther tell me freely whose Souldier you are When the Prisoner looking stedfastly upon him with a more submiss but with a countenance expressing something of disgust answered Should any here but your self by asking that question have dared so much as in thought to doubt of my loyalty my hands in despight of these fetters without other reply should soon have forced him to learn that truth which by a natural sympathy with my heart is so plainly charactered in my face This answer discovering to Synesius that the Prisoner knew Alexandro presently causing him and his companions to be loosened with great commendations and many thanks especially to the young Farmer he dismissed the Countrey people and the Prince with his company retiring into another room whether the Souldier was commanded to follow after they were seated he told him I perceive you know me so well that you cannot but know the respect you are obliged to bear me yet I will not now use my power but with entreaties perswade you to lay aside your fierceness and in complyance with my curiosity to acquaint us both what you are and with the cause of your discontent I dare not said the Souldier disobey so great an authority though to any else I might justly excuse my self in the renewing the remembrance of my griefs not to add to my torments But since so sad a Story cannot but make impressions in a Princely heart it will be some comfort to my miseries that they have been honoured with so noble a compassion When breathing forth a mighty sigh which like a sudden tempest ended with a few dissolving drops after a little pause he entred into this tragical Relation The Story of MONELIA IT is no boast to say my descent is noble nor have my actions though they merit not the report of fame rendred me unworthy the name of Clorimanthes what wants in performance hath been supplyed by loyal intentions for since I was first able to wield a sword I have employed mine in the service of my Prince under the command of that renowned Captain Honorius who for his signalized fidelity is entrusted with the Government of that impregnable Cittadel which awes the inhabitants of a City six Leagues from hence and though not great the most considerable place next Nicosia that now remains in the Kings obedience To this City drawn by the worthy esteem of the Governor resorted divers young Cavaliers under his discipline to passe their noviciat in the War but amongst the rest none better employed his time or arived at a higher degree of perfection in all martial exercises then Perrotus who by the advantagious endowments both of body and mind gained an absolute dominion over the affections of all those that had the honour to know him for my own part I was so true an admirer of his vertues that his heart was the treasury of mine and he was so faithfull a Steward that he both preserved the principal and paid me such a large proportion of Interest that our friendship being observed was paragoned with the best examples of antient times We consorted our selves together in all actions either of danger or recreation our thoughts were so vniform that whatsoever pleased the one was the delight of the other and even our loves which it was impossible to separate by the secret sympathy of our souls were without jealousies or emulation directed both to the same object Our Academie of Mars was not without a Temples of Venus to whom all his Disciples offered the devotion of their hearts A virgin besides the advantages of her birth which being the sole heir of the illustrious Family of the Amelfi gave her the preheminence both for nobility and wealth adorned with such a resplendant beauty that her tragical end may be thought to proceed from the malignity of the heavens through envie that the earth should enjoy another Sun The day of our horizon brake from under that aromatical cloud her Ivory forehead and set in an ocean of tears flowing from those eyes to whom she obscured her self When Monelia so was this Luminary called was pleased to